"It seemed that could speak English, but the situation wanted clearing up, creature big head was growing furiously angry, and, uttering wild-beast cries, he had laid his deformed hands upon me and was dragging me out of bed, regardless fresh flow of blood from my wound The little monster was as strong as bull, and I don't know what done an elderly man who was clearly in authority been attracted room hubbub; few stern words in Dutch, and my persecutor shrank away Then he turned upon me, gazing at me utmost amazement

" 'How did you come here ? ' he asked in amazement 'Wait bit ! that tired out wounded shoulder of yours wants looking after doctor, and I'll soon tied up But, man alive ! in far greater danger here than ever you were battlefield Leper Hospital, and slept in leper's bed '

"Need I tell you more, Jimmie ? It seems that in view approaching battle all these poor creatures evacuated the day before Then, British advanced, they brought back , their medical superintendent, who assured me that, though he believed immune disease, none the less never have dared what I had done He put me in private room, treated me kindly, and within week or so removed general hospital at Pretoria

"So there my tragedy I hoped against hope, but not until I had reached home terrible signs which upon my face told me that I escaped I ? lonely house We had two servants whom utterly trust house where live Under pledge of secrecy, Mr Kent, surgeon, was prepared to stay with me It seemed simple enough on those lines The alternative was dreadful one -- segregation for life among strangers with never hope of release But absolute secrecy was necessary, or even quiet countryside there an outcry, and I shous gohave been dragged to my horrible doom Even you, Jimmie -- even you had kept dark Why my father has relented imagine "

Colonel Emsworth pointed

" gentleman who forced my hand " He unfolded the scrap of paper I had written the word "Leprosy " "It seemed that if as safer that know all "

"And so ," said I "Who knows but good may come of it ? I understand that only Mr Kent has seen the patient May I ask, sir, an authority complaints, which are, I understand, tropical or semi-tropical in their nature ? "

" the ordinary knowledge educated medical man," he observed with some stiffness

" , sir, that fully competent, but that agree that case second opinion is valuable avoided this, I understand, for fear that pressure put upon you to segregate the patient "

" so," said Colonel Emsworth

"I foresaw this situation," I explained, "and brought with me friend whose discretion may absolutely be trusted able once him professional service, and ready to advise as friend rather than as specialist His name is Sir James Saunders "

The prospect of an interview with Lord Roberts have excited greater wonder and pleasure in raw subaltern than was now reflected face of Mr Kent

" indeed be proud," he murmured

"Then ask Sir James to step at present carriage outside the door Meanwhile, Colonel Emsworth, perhaps assemble in your study, where give the necessary explanations "

And here it I miss my Watson By cunning questions and ejaculations of wonder elevate my simple art, but systematized common sense, into prodigy When I tell my own story no such aid And yet give my process of thought even as it to my small audience, which included Godfrey's mother study of Colonel Emsworth

"That process," said I, "starts supposition that have eliminated all impossible, then whatever remains, however improbable, the truth It may well be that several explanations remain, one tries test after test until one or other has convincing amount of support now apply this principle case in point As first presented , there were three possible explanations seclusion or incarceration gentleman in an outhouse father's mansion the explanation that in hiding for crime, or that mad and wished to avoid an asylum, or that he had some disease which caused his segregation think of no other adequate solutions These, then, had sifted and balanced against

"The criminal solution bear inspection No unsolved crime reported district sure were some crime not yet discovered, then clearly it interest family rid delinquent and abroad rather than keep him concealed at home I no explanation for such line of conduct

"Insanity was more plausible The presence second person outhouse suggested keeper The fact that he locked the door when out strengthened the supposition and gave the idea of constraint other hand, this constraint severe or the young man have got loose and come down look at his friend remember, Mr Dodd, that round for points, asking you, for example, paper which Mr Kent was reading Had it been the Lancet or the British Medical Journal it helped me illegal, however, lunatic upon private premises as qualified person in attendance and authorities duly notified Why, then, all this desperate desire for secrecy ? Once again get the theory to fit the facts

"There remained the third possibility, into which, rare and unlikely as , everything seemed to fit Leprosy uncommon in South Africa By some extraordinary chance this youth contracted it His people placed in very dreadful position, since desire to save him from segregation Great secrecy needed rumours from getting about and subsequent interference authorities devoted medical man, if sufficiently paid, would easily be found charge sufferer There no reason why the latter allowed freedom after dark Bleaching skin is common result disease The case was strong one -- so strong that I determined to act it were actually proved When on arriving here I noticed that Ralph, who carries out the meals, had gloves which are impregnated with disinfectants, my last doubts were removed single word showed you, sir, that your secret was discovered, and if rather than said it, that my discretion was trusted "

finishing this little analysis case door was opened austere figure great dermatologist was ushered in But for once his sphinx-like features had relaxed and warm humanity eyes He strode Colonel Emsworth and shook him hand

" often my lot to bring ill-tidings and seldom good," said he "This occasion more welcome leprosy "

"What ? "

"A well-marked case of pseudo-leprosy or ichthyosis, scale-like affection skin, unsightly, obstinate, but possibly curable, and certainly noninfective Yes, Mr Holmes, the coincidence is remarkable one But coincidence ? Are there not subtle forces at work little ? Are we assured apprehension this young man has suffered terribly since his exposure to its contagion may not produce physical effect which simulates that which it fears ? At any rate, I pledge my professional reputation -- But the lady has fainted ! that Mr Kent had better be with her until she recovers joyous shock "