While Sherlock Holmes detailing this singular series of events, we whirling outskirts great town until the last straggling houses left behind, and we rattled along with country hedge upon either side of us Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered villages, where few lights still glimmered windows

outskirts of Lee, said my companion touched on three English counties short drive, starting in Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent See that light trees ? Cedars, and beside that lamp sits woman whose anxious ears have already, little doubt, caught the clink horses feet

But why not conducting the case from Baker Street ? I asked

Because many inquiries be made out here Mrs St Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and rest assured that she nothing but welcome friend and colleague I hate to meet her, Watson, when no news of her husband Here Whoa, there, whoa !

We had pulled up in front of large villa which stood within its own grounds stable-boy had run out horses head, and springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding gravel-drive which led house approached, the door flew open, and little blonde woman stood opening, clad in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with touch of fluffy pink chiffon at her neck and wrists She stood with her figure outlined against the flood of light, one hand door, one half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, standing question

Well ? she cried, well ? And then, seeing that there were two of us, she gave cry of hope which sank into groan as she saw that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders

No good news ?

None

No bad ?

No

Thank God But come in weary, for long day

my friend, Dr Watson He of most vital use in several cases, and lucky chance it possible to bring him out and associate him investigation

delighted you, said she, pressing my hand warmly , , forgive anything wanting arrangements, consider the blow come so suddenly upon us

My dear madam, said I, an old campaigner, and if I see that no apology is needed If of any assistance, either or to my friend here, indeed happy

Now, Mr Sherlock Holmes, said the lady entered well-lit dining-room, table cold supper laid out, like to plain questions, I beg that give plain answer

Certainly, madam

trouble feelings not hysterical, nor given to fainting I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion

Upon what point ?

In your heart of hearts, that Neville is alive ?

Sherlock Holmes seemed embarrassed question Frankly, now ! she repeated, standing rug and looking keenly down at him as he leaned back in basket-chair

Frankly, then, madam,

that dead ?

Murdered ?

I dont say that Perhaps

And on what day did he meet his death ?

On Monday

Then perhaps, Mr Holmes, good enough to explain how it received letter to-day

Sherlock Holmes sprang out chair he galvanized Josef Friedrich, 1906

What ! he roared

Yes, to-day She stood smiling, holding up little slip of paper air

May it ?

Certainly

He snatched it from her eagerness, and smoothing it out table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently I had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder The envelope was very coarse one and was stamped Gravesend postmark and date very day, or rather day before, for considerably after midnight

Coarse writing, murmured Holmes Surely your husbands writing, madam

No, but the enclosure is

I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had and inquire address

How tell that ?

The name, , is in perfectly black ink, dried itself The rest is grayish colour, which shows that blotting-paper used written straight off, and then blotted, none of deep black shade This man the name, and there has then been pause before he wrote the address, which can only mean that not familiar with it , , trifle, but nothing so important as trifles now see the letter Ha ! an enclosure here !

Yes, ring His signet-ring

And your husbands hand ?

One hands

One ?

His hand when he wrote hurriedly very unlike his usual writing, and yet it well

Dearest be frightened All will come well huge error which it may take some little time to rectify Wait in patience -NEVILLE Written in pencil fly-leaf of book, octavo size, no water-mark Hum ! Posted to-day in Gravesend by man with dirty thumb Ha ! flap gummed, if not in error, by person who chewing tobacco And your husbands hand, madam ?

None Neville wrote those words

were posted to-day at Gravesend Well, Mrs St Clair, the clouds lighten, though I venture danger is over

But alive, Mr Holmes

Unless clever forgery us wrong scent The ring, after all, proves nothing It may taken

No, no; , his very own writing !

It may, however, written on Monday and only posted to-day

possible

, much happened between

Oh, not discourage me, Mr Holmes that all is well so keen sympathy that know if evil came upon him very day that him last he cut himself bedroom, and yet I dining-room rushed upstairs instantly utmost certainty that something had happened that respond to such trifle and yet be ignorant death ?

not impression of woman more valuable conclusion of an analytical reasoner And letter you certainly have very strong piece of evidence to corroborate your view But if your husband is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away ?

imagine unthinkable

And on Monday no remarks before leaving you ?

No

And you were surprised him in Swandam Lane ?

so

window open ?