"None whatever "

"But the cause remains as obscure as before Come arbour here discuss it together That villainous stuff seems still to linger round my throat admit that all the evidence points man, Mortimer Tregennis, having been the criminal first tragedy, though he victim second one remember, first place, some story of family quarrel, followed by reconciliation How bitter that quarrel may , or how hollow the reconciliation tell When of Mortimer Tregennis, foxy face small shrewd, beady eyes behind the spectacles, man whom judge of particularly forgiving disposition Well, next place, remember idea of someone moving garden, which took our attention for moment real cause tragedy, emanated He had motive in misleading us Finally, if throw this substance fire moment of leaving the room, who did ? The affair happened immediately after his departure Had anyone else come in, the family would certainly have risen table Besides, in peaceful Cornwall, visitors arrive after ten o'clock at night take it then, that all the evidence points to Mortimer Tregennis culprit "

"Then his own death was suicide ! "

"Well, Watson, face of it not impossible supposition The man who had the guilt upon his soul of having brought such fate upon his own family might well be driven by remorse to inflict it upon himself , however, some cogent reasons against it Fortunately, one man in England who knows all , and arrangements hear the facts this afternoon own lips Ah ! little before his time Perhaps kindly step , Dr Leon Sterndale conducting chemical experiment indoors left our little room hardly fit reception of so distinguished visitor "

I had heard the click garden gate, and now the majestic figure great African explorer appeared path He turned in some surprise towards the rustic arbour we sat

"You sent , Mr Holmes I had your note about an hour ago, and come, though I really know why obey your summons "

"Perhaps clear the point up before we separate," said Holmes "Meanwhile, much obliged for your courteous acquiescence excuse this informal reception open air, but my friend Watson and nearly furnished an additional chapter to what the papers call the Cornish Horror, and we prefer clear atmosphere Perhaps, matters which to discuss will affect you personally in very intimate fashion, that talk where there no eavesdropping "

The explorer cigar lips and gazed sternly at my companion

" at loss , sir," , "what affects me personally in very intimate fashion "

"The killing of Mortimer Tregennis," said Holmes

For moment I wished that I were armed Sterndale's fierce face turned to dusky red, his eyes glared, knotted, passionate veins started out forehead, while he sprang forward with clenched hands towards my companion Then he stopped, and with violent effort he resumed cold, rigid calmness, , perhaps, more suggestive of danger than his hot-headed outburst

" lived among savages and beyond the law," said he, "that got way of being law to myself do well, Mr Holmes, not to forget it, for no desire to an injury "

"Nor have I any desire to an injury Dr Sterndale Surely the clearest proof of it , knowing what , sent and not police "

Sterndale sat down with gasp, overawed for, perhaps, the first time adventurous life calm assurance of power in Holmes's manner which withstood Our visitor stammered for moment, his great hands opening and shutting agitation

"What ? " he asked at last " bluff upon your part, Mr Holmes, chosen bad man for your experiment no more beating bush What ? "

" tell you," said Holmes, " reason why I tell you frankness may beget frankness What the next step will depend entirely nature of your own defence "

"My defence ? "

"Yes, sir "

"My defence against what ? "

"Against the charge of killing Mortimer Tregennis "

Sterndale mopped his forehead handkerchief "Upon my word, getting on," said he "Do all your successes depend prodigious power of bluff ? "

"The bluff," said Holmes sternly, "is upon your side, Dr Leon Sterndale, and not upon mine As proof tell you facts my conclusions are based Of your return from Plymouth, allowing much of your property on to Africa, say nothing save first informed me that you were factors which had taken into account in reconstructing this drama-"

" back-"

" heard your reasons and regard them as unconvincing and inadequate pass that You came down here to ask me whom I suspected I refused to answer you You then went vicarage, waited outside it for , and finally returned to your cottage "

"How that ? "

"I followed you "

" no one "

" what expect when I follow you You spent restless night at your cottage, and you formed certain plans, which early morning you proceeded into execution Leaving your door just as day was breaking, you filled your pocket with some reddish gravel that was lying heaped beside your gate "

Sterndale gave violent start and looked at Holmes in amazement

"You then walked swiftly mile which separated you vicarage You were wearing, remark, the same pair of ribbed tennis shoes which are present moment upon your feet vicarage you passed orchard side hedge, coming out under the window lodger Tregennis now daylight, but the household was not yet stirring You drew gravel from your pocket, and you threw it up window above you "

Sterndale sprang feet

"I believe that the devil himself ! " he cried

Holmes smiled compliment "It took two, or possibly three, handfuls lodger came window You beckoned him down He dressed hurriedly and descended sitting-room You entered window an interview- short one- during which you walked up and down the room Then you passed out and closed the window, standing lawn outside smoking cigar and watching what occurred Finally, death of Tregennis, you withdrew had come Now, Dr Sterndale, how justify such conduct, and the motives for your actions ? prevaricate or trifle with me, I my assurance matter will pass out hands forever "

Our visitor's face had turned ashen gray as he listened words accuser Now he sat for in thought face sunk hands Then with sudden impulsive gesture he plucked photograph breast-pocket and threw it rustic table

" why it," said he

It showed the bust and face of very beautiful woman Holmes stooped over it

"Brenda Tregennis," said he