difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmess requests, for they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward quiet air of mastery , however, that when Whitney was once confined cab my mission was practically accomplished; and rest, wish anything better than associated with my friend in one singular adventures which were the normal condition existence I had written my note, paid Whitneys bill, led him out cab, and seen him driven darkness In very short time decrepit figure had emerged opium den, and walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes For two streets he shuffled along with bent back and an uncertain foot Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and burst into hearty fit of laughter

I suppose, Watson, said he, that you imagine that added opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little weaknesses favoured me with your medical views

certainly surprised you there

But not more so than I you

friend

And I an enemy

An enemy ?

Yes; one natural enemies, or, shall , my natural prey Briefly, Watson, midst of very remarkable inquiry, and hoped clew incoherent ramblings sots, as before now Had I been recognised den my life worth an hours purchase; for used it before now own purposes, rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn vengeance upon me trap-door back building, near the corner of Pauls Wharf, which could tell some strange tales of what has passed through it moonless nights

What ! mean bodies ?

Ay, bodies, Watson rich men had 1000 pounds for every poor devil who to death den vilest murder-trap whole riverside, and that Neville St Clair has entered it never to leave it more But our trap here He put his two forefingers between his teeth and whistled shrilly-a signal answered by similar whistle distance, followed shortly rattle of wheels clink of horses hoofs

Now, Watson, said Holmes, as tall dog-cart dashed up gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from its side lanterns Youll come with me, wont you ?

If of use

Oh, trusty comrade is always of use; and chronicler still more so My room Cedars is double-bedded one

The Cedars ?

Yes; Mr St Clairs house staying there while I conduct the inquiry

Where , then ?

Near Lee, in Kent seven-mile drive

But all dark

Youll know all presently Jump up here All right, John; need you Heres half crown Look out to-morrow, about eleven Give her her head , then !

He flicked the horse whip, and we dashed away endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which widened gradually, until we were flying across broad balustraded bridge, murky river flowing sluggishly beneath us Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and mortar, its silence broken only heavy, regular footfall policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of revellers dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and star or two twinkled dimly here and there rifts clouds Holmes drove in silence, head sunk upon his breast, air of man lost in thought, while I sat beside him, curious to learn what this new quest which seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in current thoughts We had driven several miles, and were beginning fringe belt of suburban villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up his pipe air of man who has satisfied himself that acting best

grand gift of silence, Watson, said he It makes you quite invaluable as companion Pon my word, great thing someone to, own thoughts over-pleasant wondering what say dear little woman to-night when she meets me door

You forget that nothing

just have time you the facts case before we get to Lee It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow get nothing upon Theres plenty of thread, , but I cant get the end of it into my hand Now, Ill state the case clearly and concisely , Watson, and maybe you spark where all is dark

Proceed, then

- definite, in May, 1884-there came to Lee gentleman, Neville St Clair by name, who appeared plenty of money large villa, laid out the grounds very nicely, and lived generally in good style By degrees friends neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter of local brewer, by whom he now has two children He had no occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into town as rule morning, returning 5:14 from Cannon Street every night Mr St Clair is now thirty-seven , is man of temperate habits, good husband, very affectionate father, and man popular with all him add that his whole debts present moment, as far as to ascertain amount to 88 pounds l0s , while he has 220 pounds standing credit Capital and Counties Bank no reason, therefore, that money troubles weighing upon his mind

Last Monday Mr Neville St Clair went into town rather earlier than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important commissions to perform, bring his little boy home box of bricks Now, merest chance, his wife received telegram same Monday, very shortly after his departure, effect that small parcel of considerable value which she expecting was waiting for her offices Aberdeen Shipping Company Now, well up in your London, know office company is in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where you found me to-night Mrs St Clair had her lunch, started City, did some shopping, proceeded companys office, got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through Swandam Lane on her way back station followed me ?

very clear

remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs St Clair walked slowly, glancing about hope of seeing cab, as she like the neighbourhood she found herself While she was walking down Swandam Lane, she suddenly heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold her husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning to her from second-floor window The window was open, and she distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly agitated He waved his hands frantically to her, and then vanished window so suddenly seemed to her that he plucked back by some irresistible force from behind One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town in, he had on neither collar nor necktie