"The house was so large and so rambling that regiment hid away and no one the wiser secret lay there difficult to penetrate it But the door which I had heard close was certainly not house explore the garden what find no difficulty way, old people were busy in their own fashion and left me to my own devices

"There were several small outhouses, but end garden detached building of some size -- large enough for gardener's or gamekeeper's residence Could this be the place whence the sound shutting door had come ? I approached it in careless fashion I were strolling aimlessly round the grounds As so, small, brisk, bearded man in black coat and bowler hat -- not at all the gardener type -- came door To my surprise, he locked it after him and put the key pocket Then he looked at me with some surprise face

" ' visitor here ? ' he asked

"I explained that friend of Godfrey's

" 'What pity that away travels, for so liked me,' I continued

" 'Quite so Exactly,' said he with rather guilty air ' renew your visit at some more propitious time ' He passed on, but when I turned I observed that standing watching me, half-concealed laurels far end garden

"I had good look little house as I passed it, but the windows were heavily curtained, and, as one , empty spoil my own game and even be ordered off the premises if I were too audacious, for still conscious that being watched Therefore, I strolled back house and waited for night before I went on with my inquiry When all was dark and quiet I slipped out window and made my way as silently as possible mysterious lodge

" said heavily curtained, but now windows were shuttered Some light, however, was breaking through , so I concentrated my attention in luck, curtain quite closed, and crack shutter, I the inside room cheery place enough, bright lamp and blazing fire Opposite was seated the little man whom I had seen morning smoking pipe and reading paper "

"What paper ? " I asked

My client seemed annoyed interruption narrative

"Can it matter ? " he asked

" most essential "

"I really took no notice "

"Possibly you observed whether broad-leafed paper or smaller type which one associates with weeklies "

"Now that you mention it, not large It the Spectator However, I had little thought to spare details, for second man was seated back window, and swear second man was Godfrey I his face, but the familiar slope shoulders leaning upon his elbow in an attitude of great melancholy, his body turned towards the fire hesitating what do when sharp tap on my shoulder, and Colonel Emsworth beside me

" ' , sir ! ' said he in low voice He walked in silence house, and I followed him into my own bedroom He had picked up time-table hall

" train to London at 8:30,' said he 'The trap door at eight '

" white with rage, and, indeed, myself in so difficult position that only stammer out few incoherent apologies I tried to excuse myself by urging my anxiety friend

" 'The matter will not bear discussion,' said he abruptly 'You most damnable intrusion privacy family You were here as guest and become spy nothing more , sir, save that no wish ever you again '

" I lost my temper, Mr Holmes, and I spoke with some warmth

" ' your son, and convinced that for some reason of your own concealing him world no idea what your motives are in cutting him off fashion, but that no longer free agent I warn you, Colonel Emsworth, that until assured safety and well-being friend never desist in my efforts bottom mystery, and certainly not allow myself intimidated by anything which say or do '

"The old fellow looked diabolical, and I really thought about to attack me said that gaunt, fierce old giant, and though no weakling I hard put to hold my own against him However, after long glare of rage he turned upon his heel and walked room part, the appointed train morning, full intention of coming straight and asking for your advice and assistance appointment I had already written "

Such problem which my visitor laid before me It presented, astute reader already perceived, few difficulties in its solution, for very limited choice of alternatives must get root matter Still, elementary as , there were points of interest and novelty excuse my placing it upon record I now proceeded, using my familiar method of logical analysis, to narrow down the possible solutions

"The servants," I asked; " were house ? "

" best belief there were only the old butler wife They seemed to live simplest fashion "

" no servant, then, detached house ? "

"None, unless the little man beard acted as such , however, quite superior person "

"That seems very suggestive Had you any indication that food was conveyed one house other ? "

"Now that you mention it, see old Ralph carrying basket down the garden walk and going direction house The idea of food occur moment "

"Did you make any local inquiries ? "

"Yes, I spoke station-master and also innkeeper village I simply asked knew anything old comrade, Godfrey Emsworth Both assured me that he had gone for voyage round the world He had come home and then had almost at once started off again The story was evidently universally accepted "

"You said nothing of your suspicions ? "

"Nothing "

"That was very wise The matter should certainly be inquired into go back to Tuxbury Old Park "

"To-day ? "