by Arthur Conan Doyle

Holmes seated for some hours in silence long, thin back curved over chemical vessel brewing particularly malodorous product His head was sunk upon his breast, and he looked from my point of view like strange, lank bird, with dull grey plumage and black top-knot

"So, Watson," said he, suddenly, " propose to invest in South African securities ? "

start of astonishment Accustomed as to Holmes's curious faculties, this sudden intrusion into my most intimate thoughts was utterly inexplicable

"How on earth that ? " I asked

He wheeled round upon his stool, with steaming test-tube hand and gleam of amusement deep-set eyes

"Now, Watson, confess yourself utterly taken aback," said he

" "

"I ought you sign paper effect "

"Why ? "

"Because in five minutes say all so absurdly simple "

" that say nothing kind "

" , my dear Watson" -- he propped his test-tube rack and began to lecture air of professor addressing his class -- " really difficult to construct series of inferences, each dependent upon its predecessor and each simple in itself If, after , one simply knocks out all the central inferences and presents one's audience starting-point conclusion, one may produce startling, though possibly meretricious, effect Now, not really difficult, by an inspection groove between your left forefinger and thumb, sure that propose to invest your small capital goldfields "

" no connection "

"Very likely not; but quickly show you close connection Here are the missing links very simple chain:

1 You had chalk between your left finger and thumb returned club last night

2 You put chalk there play billiards to steady the cue

3 You never play billiards except with Thurston

4 You told me four that Thurston had an option on some South African property which would expire in month, and which he desired you to share

5 Your Cheque-book is locked in my drawer, and asked key

6 propose to invest your money manner "

"How absurdly simple ! " I cried

"Quite so ! " said he, little nettled "Every problem becomes very childish when once explained an unexplained one See what , friend Watson " He tossed sheet of paper table and turned once more chemical analysis

I looked with amazement absurd hieroglyphics paper

"Why, Holmes, child's drawing," I cried

"Oh, that's your idea ! "

"What else should it be ? "

" what Mr Hilton Cubitt, of Riding Thorpe Manor, Norfolk, is very anxious This little conundrum came first post, and next train There's ring bell, Watson I surprised were he "

heavy step was heard stairs, and an instant later there entered tall, ruddy, clean-shaven gentleman, whose clear eyes and florid cheeks told of life led far fogs of Baker Street to bring whiff strong, fresh, bracing, east-coast air as he entered Having shaken hands with each of us, about to sit down when his eye rested paper curious markings, which I had just examined and left table

"Well, Mr Holmes, what make ? " he cried "They told me that you were fond of queer mysteries, and I don't think find queerer one than that the paper on ahead you time to study it before "

" certainly rather curious production," said Holmes "At first sight it would appear some childish prank It consists of number of absurd little figures dancing across the paper drawn Why should you attribute any importance to so grotesque an object ? "

"I never should, Mr Holmes But my wife does frightening her to death She says nothing, but terror in her eyes That's why to sift the matter bottom "

Holmes held up the paper so sunlight shone full upon it page torn from note-book The markings were done in Pencil

Holmes examined it for , and then, folding it carefully up, he placed it pocket-book

"This promises most interesting and unusual case," said he " me few particulars in your letter, Mr Hilton Cubitt, but obliged kindly go over it all again benefit friend, Dr Watson "

"I'm not much of story-teller," said our visitor, nervously clasping and unclasping his great, strong hands "You'll just ask me anything that I don't make clear I'll begin marriage last year; but first of all that, though I'm not rich man, my people at Ridling Thorpe for matter of five centuries, and no better known family County of Norfolk Last year London Jubilee, and I stopped at boarding-house in Russell Square, because Parker, the vicar parish, was staying an American young lady there -- Patrick name -- Elsie Patrick In some way we became friends, until before my month was up in love as man We were quietly married at registry office, and we returned to Norfolk wedded couple You'll think it very mad, Mr Holmes, that man of good old family should marry wife fashion, knowing nothing of her past or of her people; but saw her and knew her it would to understand

"She was very straight , was Elsie 't say that she every chance of getting out of it if I wished ` some very disagreeable associations in my life,' said she; ` to forget all rather never allude past, is very painful take me, Hilton, take woman who has nothing that she need be personally ashamed of; but content with my word , and to allow me silent all that passed time when I became yours If these conditions are too hard, then go back to Norfolk and leave me lonely life found me ' only the day before our wedding that she said those very words her that content her on her own terms, and as good as my word

"Well, married now for year, and very happy But about month ago, end of June, first time signs of trouble One day my wife received letter from America the American stamp She turned deadly white, read the letter, and threw it fire She made no allusion afterwards, and none, for promise is promise; but she has never known an easy hour moment always look of fear upon her face -- look she were waiting and expecting do better to trust me find that her best friend But until she speaks nothing Mind you, truthful woman, Mr Holmes, and whatever trouble in her past life no fault of hers only simple Norfolk squire, but not man in England who ranks his family honour more highly than She knows it well, and she knew it well before she married me never bring any stain upon it --