" forget it or remember it, just like I don't see you witnessbox Quite another shaped box, my good Holmes, I assure you It matters nothing that know how my nephew died It's not him talking about It's you "

"Yes, yes "

"The fellow who came - I've forgotten his name- said that you contracted it down East End sailors "

" only account so "

" proud of your brains, Holmes, not ? Think yourself smart, don't you ? You came across someone who was smarter Now cast your mind back, Holmes Can of no other way got this thing ? "

" 't think My mind is gone For heaven's sake help me ! "

"Yes, I'll to understand just where and how you got there I'd like you die "

" something to ease my pain "

"Painful, ? Yes, the coolies used some squealing towards the end Takes you as cramp, I fancy "

"Yes, yes; cramp "

"Well, hear what , anyhow Listen now ! remember any unusual incident in your life just your symptoms began ? "

"No, no; nothing "

"Think again "

"I'm too ill "

"Well, then, I'll Did anything come by post ? "

"By post ? "

"A box by chance ? "

"I'm fainting- I'm gone ! "

"Listen, Holmes ! " sound shaking the dying man, and all that do to hold myself quiet in my hiding-place " hear me You shall hear me remember box- an ivory box ? It came on Wednesday You opened it- remember ? "

"Yes, yes, I opened it sharp spring inside it Some joke-"

" no joke, to your cost You fool, it and got it Who asked you to cross my path ? had left me alone have hurt you "

"I remember," Holmes gasped "The spring ! It drew blood This box- this table "

"The very one, by George ! And it may leave the room in my pocket There goes your last shred of evidence But the truth now, Holmes, and die knowledge that I killed you fate of Victor Savage, so sent you to share it very near your end, Holmes sit here watch you die "

Holmes's voice had sunk to an almost inaudible whisper

"What ? " said Smith "Turn up the gas ? Ah, the shadows begin , do they ? Yes, turn it up, that see you the better " He crossed the room light suddenly brightened " little service that , my friend ? "

"A match and cigarette "

I nearly called out in my joy and my amazement speaking natural voice- little weak, perhaps, but the very voice long pause, and that Culverton Smith was standing in silent amazement looking down at his companion

"What's the meaning ? " I heard him say at last in dry, rasping tone

"The best way of successfully acting part it," said Holmes "I my word that for three days tasted neither food nor drink until you were good enough to pour me out that glass of water But tobacco which most irksome Ah, here are some cigarettes " I heard the striking of match better Halloa ! halloa ! Do I hear the step of friend ? "

There were footfalls outside, the door opened, and Inspector Morton appeared

"All is and your man," said Holmes

The officer gave the usual cautions

"I arrest you charge murder of one Victor Savage," he concluded

"And add attempted murder of one Sherlock Holmes," remarked my friend with chuckle "To save an invalid trouble, Inspector, Mr Culverton Smith was good enough our signal by turning up the gas , the prisoner has small box right-hand pocket coat which it to remove handle it gingerly if I were you Put it down here It may play its part trial "

sudden rush and scuffle, followed clash of iron and cry of pain

"You'll only get yourself hurt," said the inspector "Stand still, ? " the click closing handcuffs

"A nice trap ! " cried the high, snarling voice " bring you dock, Holmes, not me He asked me here to cure him sorry for him and Now pretend, , that said anything which invent which will corroborate his insane suspicions lie like, Holmes My word is always as good as yours "

"Good heavens ! " cried Holmes "I had totally forgotten him My dear Watson, I owe you thousand apologies that overlooked you ! not introduce you to Mr Culverton Smith, since I understand that you met somewhat earlier evening the cab below ? follow you when dressed, for of some use station

"I never needed it more," said Holmes as he refreshed himself with glass of claret and some biscuits intervals toilet "However, , my habits are irregular, and such feat means less than to most men very essential that impress Mrs Hudson reality condition, since she was to convey it , and you in turn to him You won't be offended, Watson ? among your many talents dissimulation finds no place, had shared my secret never to impress Smith urgent necessity presence, the vital point whole scheme Knowing his vindictive nature, perfectly certain that come to look upon his handiwork "

"But your appearance, Holmes- your ghastly face ? "

"Three days of absolute fast improve one's beauty, Watson rest, nothing which sponge may not cure With vaseline upon one's forehead, belladonna in one's eyes, rouge over the cheek-bones, and crusts of beeswax round one's lips, very satisfying effect produced Malingering is subject sometimes thought of writing monograph little occasional talk about half-crowns, oysters, or extraneous subject produces pleasing effect of delirium "

"But why would you not let me near you, since in truth no infection ? "

" ask, my dear Watson ? imagine that no respect for your medical talents ? Could I fancy that your astute judgment would pass dying man who, however weak, had no rise of pulse or temperature ? At four yards, deceive you If I failed , bring my Smith within my grasp ? No, Watson, touch that box just see look at it sideways where the sharp spring like viper's tooth emerges open it I dare say by some such device that poor Savage, who stood between this monster and reversion, to death My correspondence, however, is, , varied one, and somewhat upon my guard against any packages which reach me clear , however, that my pretending that he had really succeeded design surprise confession That pretence carried out thoroughness true artist , Watson, help me on with my coat When finished police station think that something nutritious at Simpson's out of place "