" , Sherlock," said he, " something quite after your own heart--a most singular problem--submitted to my judgement I really the energy it up save in very incomplete fashion, but it basis for some pleasing speculation care to hear the facts--"

"My dear Mycroft, delighted "

The brother scribbled note upon leaf pocket-book, and, ringing the bell, he handed it waiter

" asked Mr Melas to step across," said he "He lodges floor above me, and some slight acquaintance , which led him perplexity Mr Melas is Greek by extraction, as I understand, and remarkable linguist He earns his living partly as interpreter law courts and partly by acting as guide to any wealthy Orientals visit the Northumberland Avenue hotels leave him his very remarkable experience own fashion "

later we were joined by short, stout man whose olive face and coal-black hair proclaimed his Southern origin, though his speech of an educated Englishman He shook hands eagerly with Sherlock Holmes, dark eyes sparkled with pleasure when he understood specialist was anxious to hear his story

" believe police credit me--on my word, ," said he in wailing voice "Just because never heard of it before, that such thing But that never be easy in my mind until what has become poor man sticking-plaster upon his face "

" all attention," said Sherlock Holmes

" Wednesday evening," said Mr Melas "Well then, Monday night--only two , you understand--that all this happened an interpreter, as perhaps my neighbour there has told you I interpret all languages--or nearly all--but as Greek by birth and with Grecian name, particular tongue that principally associated For many years the chief Greek interpreter in London, and my name is known hotels It happens not infrequently that sent for at strange hours by foreigners who get into difficulties, or by traveller who arrive late and wish my services not surprised, therefore, on Monday night when Mr Latimer, very fashionably dressed young man, came my rooms and asked me to accompany him in cab waiting door Greek friend had come him upon business, , and as speak nothing but his own tongue, the services of an interpreter were indispensable He to understand that his house was some little distance off, in Kensington, and in great hurry, bustling me rapidly cab when we had descended street

" cab, but I soon became doubtful whether not carriage myself certainly more roomy ordinary four-wheeled disgrace to London, fittings, though frayed, were of rich quality Mr Latimer seated himself opposite and we started off through Charing Cross and up the Shaftesbury Avenue We had come out upon Oxford Street and I had ventured some remark being roundabout way to Kensington, when my words were arrested extraordinary conduct companion

"He began by drawing most formidable-looking bludgeon loaded with lead pocket, and switching it backward and forward , to test its weight and strength Then he placed it without word seat beside him Having done this, he drew up the windows on each side, and to my astonishment were covered with paper so as my seeing through them

"' sorry to cut off your view, Mr Melas,' said he 'The fact no intention that see what the place is to driving It might possibly be inconvenient find your way there again '

" imagine, utterly taken aback by such an address My companion was powerful, broad-shouldered young fellow, and, apart weapon, I the slightest chance in struggle

"' very extraordinary conduct, Mr Latimer,' I stammered ' aware that what doing is quite illegal '

"' somewhat of liberty, ,' said he, 'but we'll make it up warn you, however, Mr Melas, that if at to-night you attempt to raise an alarm or do anything against my interests, it very serious thing I beg you to remember that no one knows where , , whether carriage or in my house, equally in my power '

"His words were quiet, but he had rasping way of saying them very menacing I sat in silence wondering what on earth his reason for kidnapping me extraordinary fashion Whatever it , perfectly clear that no possible use in my resisting, only wait what might befall

"For nearly two hours we drove without my having the least clue where we were going Sometimes the rattle stones told of paved causeway, and at others our smooth, silent course suggested asphalt; but, save variation in sound, nothing at all which could remotest way help me guess where we were The paper over each window was impenetrable to light, and blue curtain was drawn across the glass work in front quarter-past seven when we left Pall Mall, and my watch showed me ten minutes to nine when we at last came to standstill My companion let down the window, and I caught glimpse of low, arched doorway with lamp burning above it As hurried carriage it swung open, and myself inside the house, with vague impression of lawn and trees on each side of me as I entered Whether these were private grounds ,however, or bona-fide country was more than possibly venture

" coloured gas-lamp inside turned so low that I little save hall was of some size and hung with pictures dim light make out person who had opened the door was small, mean-looking, middle-aged man with rounded shoulders As he turned towards us the glint light showed me that wearing glasses

"' Mr Melas, Harold ? ' said he

"'Yes '

"'Well done, well done ! No ill-will, Mr Melas, , but get on without you deal fair you'll not regret it, but try any tricks, God ! ' He spoke in nervous, jerky fashion, and with little giggling laughs in between, but somehow he impressed me with fear more other

"'What with me ? ' I asked

"'Only to ask few questions of Greek gentleman visiting us, and to the answers But say no more than told , or--' here came the nervous giggle again--'you had better never born '

"As he spoke he opened door and showed the way into room which appeared very richly furnished, but again the only light was afforded by single lamp half-turned down The chamber was certainly large, way my feet sank carpet as I stepped across it told me richness I caught glimpses of velvet chairs, high white marble mantel-piece, and what seemed suit of Japanese armour at one side of it chair just under the lamp, elderly man motioned that sit The younger had left us, but he suddenly returned through another door, leading gentleman clad in some sort of loose dressing-gown who moved slowly towards us As circle of dim light which enables me him more clearly thrilled with horror at his appearance deadly pale and terribly emaciated, protruding, brilliant eyes of man whose spirit was greater than his strength But what shocked me more than any signs of physical weakness his face was grotesquely criss-crossed with sticking-plaster, one large pad of fastened over his mouth