" an old friend," said I to Dodd " possible that his presence entirely unnecessary, and, other hand, it essential necessary present stage further matter "

The narratives of Watson have accustomed the reader, , fact that waste words or disclose my thoughts while case is actually under consideration Dodd seemed surprised, but nothing more was said, three of us continued our journey together train I asked Dodd one more question which I wished our companion to hear

"You say that you saw your friend's face quite clearly window, so clearly that identity ? "

" whatever His nose was pressed against the glass The lamplight shone full upon him "

"It someone resembling him ? "

"No, no, he "

"But you say changed ? "

"Only in colour His face was -- how shall I describe it ? -- of fish-belly whiteness bleached "

" equally pale all over ? "

" not his brow which so clearly as pressed against the window "

"Did you call to him ? "

" too startled and horrified moment Then I pursued him, as told you, but without result "

My case was practically complete, and small incident needed to round it off When, after considerable drive, we arrived strange old rambling house which my client had described, Ralph, the elderly butler, who opened the door I had requisitioned the carriage day and had asked my elderly friend to remain within it unless summon him Ralph, little wrinkled old fellow, was conventional costume of black coat and pepper-and-salt trousers, with curious variant He wore brown leather gloves, which at sight of us he instantly shuffled off, laying them down hall-table passed in , as my friend Watson remarked, an abnormally acute set of senses, and faint but incisive scent was apparent It seemed to centre hall table I turned, placed my hat there, knocked it off, stooped to pick it up, and contrived to bring my nose within foot gloves Yes, undoubtedly curious tarry odour was oozing I passed on study with my case complete Alas, that I, that I,s gohave to show my hand so when I tell my own story ! by concealing such links chain that Watson was enabled his meretricious finales

Colonel Emsworth was not room, but quickly enough on receipt of Ralph's message We heard his quick, heavy step passage The door was flung open and he rushed in with bristling beard and twisted features, as terrible an old man as ever He held our cards hand, and he tore them up and stamped fragments

"Have I not told you, you infernal busybody, that warned off the premises ? Never dare to show your damned face here again enter again without my leave within my rights if I use violence I'll shoot you, sir ! By God, ! As , sir," turning upon me, "I extend the same warning familiar with your ignoble profession, but take your reputed talents to some other field no opening here "

" leave here," said my client firmly, "until I hear from Godfrey's own lips that under no restraint "

Our involuntary host rang the bell

"Ralph," , "telephone down county police and inspector to send up two constables Tell him burglars house "

"One moment," said I " aware, Mr Dodd, that Colonel Emsworth is within his rights no legal status within his house other hand, recognize that your action is prompted entirely by solicitude son I venture to if I were allowed five minutes conversation with Colonel Emsworth certainly alter his view matter "

" not so easily altered," said the old soldier "Ralph, do what told you What the devil waiting for ? Ring up the police ! "

"Nothing sort," , putting my back door "Any police interference would bring very catastrophe which you dread " out my notebook and scribbled one word upon loose sheet "That," said I as I handed it to Colonel Emsworth, "is what has brought us here "

He stared writing with face every expression save amazement had vanished

"How ? " he gasped, sitting down heavily chair

" my business things my trade "

He sat in deep thought, his gaunt hand tugging at his straggling beard Then gesture of resignation

"Well, Godfrey, you shall no doing , but forced my hand Ralph, tell Mr Godfrey and Mr Kent that in five minutes "

end we passed down the garden path and found ourselves in front mystery house end small bearded man stood door with look of considerable astonishment upon his face

" very sudden, Colonel Emsworth," said he " disarrange all our plans "

" 't help it, Mr Kent Our hands forced Can Mr Godfrey see us ? "

"Yes, waiting inside " He turned and led us into large plainly furnished front room man was standing back fire, and sight of him my client sprang forward with outstretched hand

"Why, Godfrey, old man, fine ! "

But the other waved him back

"Don't touch me, Jimmie Keep your distance Yes, well stare ! I don't quite look the smart Lance-Corporal Emsworth, of B Squadron, do I ? "

His appearance was certainly extraordinary One that he had indeed been handsome man with clear-cut features sunburned by an African sun, but mottled in patches over this darker surface were curious whitish patches which had bleached his skin

"That's why I don't court visitors," said he "I don't mind you, Jimmie, but done without your friend I suppose some good reason , but me at disadvantage "

" that all was well , Godfrey you that night looked into my window, and let the matter rest till I had cleared things up "

"Old Ralph told me you were there, and I couldn't help taking peep at you I hoped seen me, and I had to run to my burrow when I heard the window go up "

"But what in heaven's name matter ? "

"Well, it's not long story ," said he, lighting cigarette "You remember that morning fight at Buffelsspruit, outside Pretoria, Eastern railway line ? You heard hit ? "

"Yes, I heard that but I never got particulars "

"Three of us got separated others very broken country, remember Simpson -- the fellow we called Baldy Simpson -- and Anderson, and I We were clearing brother Boer, but he lay low and got the three of us The other two were killed I got an elephant bullet through my shoulder I stuck on to my horse, however, and he galloped several miles before I fainted and rolled off the saddle

"When to myself nightfall, and I raised myself up, feeling very weak and ill To my surprise house close beside me, fairly large house with broad stoep and many windows deadly cold You remember the kind of numb cold which used at evening, deadly, sickening sort of cold, very different from crisp healthy frost Well, chilled bone, and my only hope seemed to lie in reaching that house I staggered to my feet and dragged myself along, hardly conscious of what dim memory of slowly ascending the steps, entering wide-opened door, passing into large room which contained several beds, and throwing myself down with gasp of satisfaction upon unmade, but that troubled me not at all I drew the clothes over my shivering body and in moment in deep sleep