"Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed " her more interesting than her little problem, which, , is rather trite one parallel cases, consult my index, in Andover in '77, and something sort Hague last year Old as idea, however, there were details which were new But the maiden herself was most instructive "

"You appeared to read upon her quite invisible ," I remarked

"Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson know where to look, and so you missed all that was important never bring you to realize the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of thumb-nails, or the great issues hang from boot-lace Now, what did you gather woman's appearance ? Describe it "

"Well, she had slate-colored, broad-brimmed straw hat, with feather of brickish red Her jacket was black, with black beads sewn upon it, and fringe of little black jet ornaments Her dress was brown, rather darker than coffee color, with little purple plush neck and sleeves Her gloves were grayish and were worn through right forefinger Her boots I didn't observe She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and general air of being fairly well-to-do in vulgar, comfortable, easy-going way "

Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled

"'Pon my word, Watson, coming along wonderfully really done indeed true that missed everything of importance, but hit method, and quick eye for color Never trust to general impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details My first glance is always at woman's sleeve In man perhaps better first to knee trouser observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, most useful material for showing traces The double line little above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, was beautifully defined The sewing-machine, hand type, leaves similar mark, but only left arm, and side of it farthest thumb, instead of being right across the broadest part, as I then glanced at her face, and, observing the dint of pince-nez at either side of her nose, I ventured remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed her "

"It surprised me "

"But, surely, obvious then much surprised and interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots which she was wearing unlike , they were really odd ones; the one having slightly decorated toe-cap, other plain one One was buttoned only two lower buttons out of five, other first, third, and fifth Now, see that young lady, otherwise neatly dressed, away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, no great deduction that she came away in hurry "

"And what else ? " I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by my friend's incisive reasoning

"I noted, in passing, that she had written note before leaving home but after being fully dressed You observed that her right glove was torn forefinger, but apparently see that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink She had written in hurry and dipped her pen too deep It must , or the mark remain clear finger All amusing, though rather elementary, but go back to business, Watson Would you mind reading me the advertised description of Mr Hosmer Angel ? "

I held the little printed slip light

"Missing [it said] morning fourteenth, gentleman named Hosmer Angel About five ft seven in in height; strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, little bald centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted glasses, slight infirmity of speech Was dressed, when last seen, in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert chain, and gray Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over elastic-sided boots Known employed in an office in Leadenhall Street Anybody bringing--"

" do," said Holmes " letters," he continued, glancing over them, " very commonplace Absolutely no clue to Mr Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once one remarkable point, however, which will strike you "

" typewritten," I remarked

" that, but the signature is typewritten Look neat little 'Hosmer Angel' bottom date, , but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, rather vague The point signature is very suggestive-- , call it conclusive "

"Of what ? "

"My dear fellow, possible see how strongly it bears case ? "

"I that unless it were that to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were instituted "

"No, that was not the point However, write two letters, which should settle the matter One is to firm City, the other is young lady's stepfather, Mr Windibank, asking him whether meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow evening just that do business male relatives And now, Doctor, do nothing until the answers letters come, so put our little problem shelf interim "

I had had reasons in my friend's subtle powers of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that that some solid grounds assured and easy demeanour he treated the singular mystery which he called upon to fathom Once only had I known him to fail, case King of Bohemia and Irene Adler photograph; but when I looked back weird business of 'The Sign of Four', extraordinary circumstances connected with 'A Study in Scarlet', strange tangle indeed which unravel

I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, conviction that when again next evening find that he held hands all the clues which would lead identity disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary Sutherland

professional case of great gravity was engaging my own attention , whole of busy bedside sufferer not until close upon six o'clock that myself free and was able to spring into hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that too late to assist denouement little mystery Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, long, thin form curled up recesses armchair formidable array of bottles and test-tubes, pungent cleanly smell of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day chemical work so dear to him

"Well, solved it ? " I asked as I entered

"Yes It bisulphate of baryta "

"No, no, the mystery ! " I cried

"Oh, that ! salt that working upon never any mystery matter, though, as yesterday, details are of interest The only drawback is no law, , touch the scoundrel "

"Who was he, then, and his object in deserting Miss Sutherland ? "

The question was hardly out mouth, and Holmes yet opened his lips to reply, when we heard heavy footfall passage and tap door

" girl's stepfather, Mr James Windibank," said Holmes "He that here at six Come in ! "

The man who entered was sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some thirty , clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with bland, insinuating manner, and pair of wonderfully sharp and penetrating gray eyes He shot questioning glance at each of us, placed his shiny top-hat sideboard, and with slight bow sidled down nearest chair

"Good-evening, Mr James Windibank," said Holmes " typewritten letter is , made an appointment with me for six o'clock ? "

"Yes, sir afraid that little late, but not quite my own master, sorry that Miss Sutherland has troubled you little matter, for far better not to wash linen sort in public quite against my wishes that she came, but very excitable, impulsive girl, noticed, and easily controlled when she up her mind on point , mind you , as connected official police, but pleasant family misfortune like this noised abroad Besides, useless expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel ? "