"Our next obvious step is , , the movements of Mortimer Tregennis after he left the room no difficulty, above suspicion Knowing my methods , you were, , conscious somewhat clumsy water-pot expedient I obtained clearer impress foot than might otherwise possible The wet, sandy path took it admirably Last night was also wet, remember, and not difficult- having obtained sample print- to pick out his track among others and his movements He appears walked away swiftly direction vicarage

"If, then, Mortimer Tregennis disappeared scene, and yet some outside person affected the cardplayers, how can we reconstruct that person, and how was such an impression of horror conveyed ? Mrs Porter eliminated evidently harmless any evidence that someone crept garden window and in some manner produced so terrific an effect that he drove those who saw it out senses ? The only suggestion direction comes from Mortimer Tregennis himself, who says that his brother spoke about some movement garden certainly remarkable, night was rainy, cloudy, and dark Anyone who had the design to alarm these people compelled his very face against the glass before be seen three-foot flower-border outside this window, but no indication of footmark difficult to imagine, then, how an outsider made so terrible an impression company, nor have any possible motive for so strange and elaborate an attempt You perceive our difficulties, Watson ? "

" only too clear," I answered with conviction

"And yet, with little more material, prove not insurmountable," said Holmes "I fancy that among your extensive archives, Watson, find some which were nearly as obscure Meanwhile, put the case aside until more accurate data are available, and devote the rest morning pursuit of neolithic man "

commented upon my friend's power of mental detachment, but never have I wondered at it more than upon that spring morning in Cornwall when for two hours he discoursed upon celts, arrowheads, and shards, as lightly no sinister mystery were waiting solution not until we had returned afternoon to our cottage that visitor awaiting us, who soon brought our minds back matter in hand Neither of us needed told who that visitor was The huge body, the craggy and deeply seamed face fierce eyes and hawk-like nose, the grizzled hair which nearly brushed our cottage ceiling, the beard- golden fringes and white near the lips, save nicotine stain perpetual cigar- all these were known in London as in Africa, and could only be associated tremendous personality of Dr Leon Sterndale, the great lion-hunter and explorer

We had heard presence district and had caught sight tall figure moorland paths no advances , however, nor would dreamed of to him, as well known his love of seclusion which caused him the greater part intervals between his journeys in small bungalow buried lonely wood of Beauchamp Arriance Here, amid his books maps, he lived an absolutely lonely life, attending own simple wants and paying little apparent heed affairs neighbours surprise , therefore, to hear him asking Holmes in an eager voice whether he had made any advance reconstruction mysterious episode "The county police are utterly at fault," said he, "but perhaps your wider experience has suggested some conceivable explanation My only claim to being taken into your confidence during my many residences here come this family of Tregennis - indeed, upon my Cornish mother's side call them cousins- and their strange fate has naturally been great shock tell you that I had got as far as Plymouth upon my way to Africa, but the news reached me , and straight back again to help inquiry "

Holmes raised his eyebrows

"Did you lose your boat through it ? "

" next "

"Dear me ! friendship indeed "

"I tell you they were relatives "

"Quite so- cousins of your mother Was your baggage aboard the ship ? "

"Some of it, but the main part hotel "

" But surely this event have found its way Plymouth morning papers "

"No, sir; I had telegram "

"Might I ask from whom ? "

shadow passed over the gaunt face explorer

" very inquisitive, Mr Holmes "

" my business "

With an effort Dr Sterndale recovered his ruffled composure

" no objection to telling you," " Mr Roundhay, the vicar, who sent me the telegram which recalled me "

" ," said Holmes " say in answer to your original question that cleared my mind entirely of , but that every hope of reaching some conclusion It premature more "

"Perhaps mind telling me if your suspicions point in any particular direction ? "

"No, hardly answer that "

"Then wasted and need not prolong my visit " The famous doctor strode out cottage in considerable ill-humour, and within five minutes Holmes had followed him him no more until the evening, when he returned with slow step and haggard face which assured me that he had made no great progress investigation He glanced at telegram which awaited him and threw it grate

" Plymouth hotel, Watson," "I learned the name of it vicar, and I wired certain that Dr Leon Sterndale's account was true It appears that indeed spend last night there, he has actually allowed some baggage on to Africa, while he returned present investigation What make , Watson ? "

" deeply interested "

"Deeply interested- yes thread where which grasped and which might lead us tangle Cheer up, Watson, for very sure material all come to hand When it does soon leave our difficulties behind us "

Little did how soon the words of Holmes realized, or how strange and sinister that new development which opened up an entirely fresh line of investigation shaving at my window morning when I heard the rattle of hoofs and, looking up, saw dog-cart coming at gallop down the road It pulled up at our door, friend, the vicar, sprang and rushed up our garden path Holmes was already dressed, and we hastened down to meet him

Our visitor was so excited that hardly articulate, but at last in gasps and bursts his tragic story came out of him

" devil-ridden, Mr Holmes ! My poor parish is devil-ridden ! " he cried "Satan himself is loose ! given over into his hands ! " He danced about agitation, ludicrous object ashy face and startled eyes Finally he shot out his terrible news

" Mr Mortimer Tregennis died during the night, and with exactly the same symptoms rest family "

Holmes sprang feet, all energy in an instant

" fit us both into your dog-cart ? "

"Yes, "

"Then, Watson, postpone our breakfast Mr Roundhay, entirely at your disposal Hurry- hurry, before things get disarranged "

The lodger occupied two rooms vicarage, which were in an angle , the one above the other Below was large sitting-room; above, his bedroom They looked out upon croquet lawn which came windows We had arrived doctor or the police, everything was absolutely undisturbed Let me describe exactly the scene saw it upon that misty March morning It left an impression which can never be effaced from my mind