"The vicar knew confidence tell you that she was an angel upon earth That was why he telegraphed and I returned my baggage or Africa when I learned that such fate had come upon my darling ? There the missing clue to my action, Mr Holmes "

"Proceed," said my friend

Dr Sterndale drew pocket paper packet and laid it table outside was written "Radix pedis diaboli" with red poison label beneath it He pushed it towards me "I understand that doctor, sir ever heard preparation ? "

"Devil's-foot root ! No, never heard of it "

" no reflection upon your professional knowledge," said he, "for I believe that, save sample in laboratory at Buda, no other specimen in Europe It found its way either pharmacopoeia or literature of toxicology The root is shaped like foot, half human, half goatlike; hence the fanciful name given by botanical missionary used as an ordeal poison medicine-men in certain districts of West Africa kept as secret among them This particular specimen I obtained under very extraordinary circumstances Ubangi country " He opened the paper as he spoke and disclosed heap of reddish-brown, snuff-like powder

"Well, sir ? " asked Holmes sternly

" about you, Mr Holmes, all that actually occurred, already know clearly to my interest that know all already explained the relationship I stood Tregennis family sake sister friendly brothers family quarrel about money which estranged this man Mortimer, but supposed made up, and I afterwards met him as the others sly, subtle, scheming man, and several things arose which suspicion of him, but I had no cause for any positive quarrel

"One day, only couple of , down to my cottage and I showed him some African curiosities Among other things I exhibited this powder, and him strange properties, how it stimulates those brain centres which control the emotion of fear, and how either madness or death fate unhappy native subjected ordeal priest tribe him also how powerless European science to detect it How it I , for I never left the room, but then, while opening cabinets and stooping to boxes, that he managed to abstract devil's-foot root I well remember how he plied me with questions amount time that was needed for its effect, but I little dreamed that he personal reason for asking

" no more matter until the vicar's telegram reached me at Plymouth This villain had thought that at sea news could reach me, lost for years in Africa But I returned at once , listen details without feeling assured that my poison used round you chance that some other explanation had suggested itself But there none convinced that Mortimer Tregennis murderer; that sake of money, and idea, perhaps, that other members family were all insane the sole guardian joint property, he had used the devil's-foot powder upon them, driven two out senses, and killed his sister Brenda, the one human being whom ever loved or who has ever loved me his crime; his punishment ?

"Should I appeal law ? Where were my proofs ? facts were true, but could I help jury of countrymen believe so fantastic story ? or I But afford to fail My soul cried out for revenge said once before, Mr Holmes, that spent much life outside the law, come at last law to myself So now I determined fate which he had given to others shared by himself Either that or do justice upon him with my own hand In all England there no man who sets less value upon his own life than present moment

"Now told you all yourself supplied the rest , say, after restless night, set off early from my cottage I foresaw the difficulty of arousing him, so I gathered some gravel pile which mentioned, and I used it to throw up window down and admitted me window sitting-room I laid his offence before him him that I had come both as judge and executioner The wretch sank into chair, paralyzed sight revolver I lit the lamp, put the powder above it, and stood outside the window, ready to carry out my threat to shoot him should he try to leave the room In five minutes he died My God ! how he died ! But my heart was flint, for he endured nothing which my innocent darling felt before him my story, Mr Holmes Perhaps, loved woman, done yourself At any rate, in your hands take what steps you like As already said, no man living fear death "

Holmes sat for some little time in silence

"What were your plans ? " he asked at last

"I had intended to bury myself in central Africa My work but half finished "

"Go and other half," said Holmes "I , am not prepared you "

Dr Sterndale raised his giant figure, bowed gravely, and walked arbour Holmes lit his pipe and handed me his pouch

"Some fumes which poisonous welcome change," said he " agree, Watson, not case in called upon to interfere Our investigation independent, action shall be so also denounce the man ? "

"Certainly not," I answered