Such remarkable narrative I listened April evening -- narrative which utterly incredible had it not been confirmed actual sight tall, spare figure keen, eager face, which I had never thought again In some manner he had learned own sad bereavement, sympathy was shown manner rather than words "Work best antidote to sorrow, my dear Watson," said he, "and piece of work both to-night which, bring it to successful conclusion, will in itself justify man's life planet " In vain I begged him me more " hear enough before morning," he answered " three years past to discuss Let that suffice until half-past nine, when we start notable adventure empty house "

indeed like old times when, hour, myself seated beside him in hansom, my revolver in my pocket thrill of adventure in my heart Holmes was cold and stern and silent gleam street-lamps flashed upon his austere features that his brows were drawn down in thought thin lips compressed not what wild beast we were about to hunt down dark jungle of criminal London, but well assured bearing master huntsman adventure was most grave one, while the sardonic smile which occasionally broke through his ascetic gloom boded little good object quest

I had imagined that we were bound for Baker Street, but Holmes stopped the cab corner of Cavendish Square I observed that as he stepped out most searching glance to right and left, and at every subsequent street corner the utmost pains to assure that not followed Our route was certainly singular one Holmes's knowledge byways of London was extraordinary, and occasion he passed rapidly, and with an assured step, through network of mews and stables the very existence I had never known We emerged at last into small road, lined with old, gloomy houses, which led us into Manchester Street, and so to Blandford Street Here he turned swiftly down narrow passage, passed through wooden gate into deserted yard, and then opened with key the back door of house We entered together and he closed it behind us

The place was pitch-dark, but evident an empty house Our feet creaked and crackled over the bare planking, and my outstretched hand touched wall the paper was hanging in ribbons Holmes's cold, thin fingers closed round my wrist and led me forwards down long hall, until I dimly saw the murky fanlight over the door Here Holmes turned suddenly right, and ourselves in large, square, empty room, heavily shadowed corners, but faintly lit centre lights street beyond no lamp near window was thick with dust, only just discern 's figures within My companion put his hand upon my shoulder lips close to my ear

" where ? " he whispered

"Surely Baker Street," I answered, staring dim window

"Exactly in Camden House, which stands opposite to our own old quarters "

"But why are we here ? "

"Because it commands so excellent view picturesque pile Might I trouble you, my dear Watson, to draw little nearer window, taking every precaution not to show yourself, and then to look up at our old rooms -- the starting-point of little adventures ? three years of absence have entirely taken away my power you "

I crept forward and looked across familiar window As my eyes fell upon it gasp and cry of amazement The blind was down and strong light was burning room The shadow of man who was seated in chair within was thrown in hard, black outline luminous screen window no mistaking the poise head, the squareness shoulders, the sharpness features The face was turned half-round, effect of one black silhouettes which our grandparents loved to frame perfect reproduction of Holmes So amazed was I that I threw out my hand sure man himself was standing beside me quivering with silent laughter

"Well ? " said he

"Good heavens ! " I cried " marvellous "

"I trust that age doth not wither nor custom stale my infinite variety,'" said he, and I recognised voice the joy and pride which the artist takes own creation "It really is rather like me, not ? "

" prepared to swear you "

"The credit execution is due to Monsieur Oscar Meunier, of Grenoble, who spent some days in doing the moulding bust in wax The rest I arranged myself during my visit to Baker Street this afternoon "

"But why ? "

"Because, my dear Watson, I had the strongest possible reason for wishing certain people that there when really elsewhere "

"And you thought the rooms were watched ? "

" were watched "

"By whom ? "

"By my old enemies, Watson charming society whose leader lies Reichenbach Fall remember knew, and only they knew, that still alive Sooner or later they believed that come back to my rooms They watched them continuously, and they saw me arrive "

"How ? "

"Because I recognised their sentinel when I glanced out window harmless enough fellow, Parker by name, garroter by trade, and remarkable performer Jew's harp I cared nothing for him But I cared great deal much more formidable person who was behind him, the bosom friend of Moriarty, the man who dropped the rocks over the cliff, the most cunning and dangerous criminal in London man after me to-night, Watson, and man quite unaware that after him "

My friend's plans were gradually revealing themselves convenient retreat the watchers were being watched trackers tracked That angular shadow up yonder bait and we were the hunters In silence we stood together darkness and watched the hurrying figures who passed and repassed in front of us Holmes was silent and motionless; but tell that keenly alert, his eyes were fixed intently stream of passers-by bleak and boisterous night, wind whistled shrilly down the long street Many people were moving to and fro, most muffled in their coats and cravats it seemed that I had seen the same figure before, and I especially noticed two men who appeared sheltering themselves wind doorway of house some distance up the street I tried to draw my companion's attention , but little ejaculation of impatience and continued to stare street More than once he fidgeted feet and tapped rapidly fingers wall evident that becoming uneasy his plans working out altogether as he had hoped At last, as midnight approached street gradually cleared, he paced up and down the room in uncontrollable agitation about some remark to him when I raised my eyes lighted window and again experienced almost as great surprise as before I clutched Holmes's arm and pointed upwards

"The shadow has moved ! " I cried

, indeed, no longer the profile, but the back, turned towards us