" sorry to trouble you," said he, blandest manner, young woman behind the grating; " some small mistake about telegram yesterday no answer, and I fear that omitted my name end Could you tell me if so ? "

The young woman turned over sheaf of counterfoils

"What o'clock ? " she asked

"A little after six "

"Whom to ? "

Holmes put his finger lips and glanced at me "The last words were `for God's sake,'" he whispered, confidentially; " very anxious at getting no answer "

The young woman separated forms

" it no name," said she, smoothing it out counter

"Then that, , accounts getting no answer," said Holmes "Dear me, how very stupid of me, ! Good morning, miss, and many thanks for having relieved my mind " He chuckled and rubbed his hands when ourselves street once more

"Well ? " I asked

"We progress, my dear Watson, we progress I had seven different schemes for getting glimpse telegram, but hardly hope to succeed the very first time "

"And what gained ? "

"A starting-point investigation " He hailed cab "King's Cross Station," said he

" journey, then ? "

"Yes; run down to Cambridge together All the indications seem to point direction "

"Tell me," I asked, rattled up Gray's Inn Road, " any suspicion yet cause disappearance ? I don't think that among all our cases known one where the motives are more obscure Surely you don't really imagine that kidnapped information against his wealthy uncle ? "

"I confess, my dear Watson, that appeal as very probable explanation It struck me, however, as being the one most likely to interest that exceedingly unpleasant old person "

"It certainly did that But your alternatives ? "

" mention several admit curious and suggestive incident should occur eve important match, and should involve the only man whose presence seems essential success side It may, , be coincidence, but interesting Amateur sport is free from betting, but of outside betting goes on public, and possible worth someone's while at player ruffians turf get at race-horse one explanation second very obvious one is young man really heir of great property, however modest his means may at present be, and impossible that plot to hold him for ransom concocted "

"These theories take no account telegram "

"Quite true, Watson The telegram still remains the only solid thing to deal, and not permit our attention to wander away to gain light purpose telegram that now upon our way to Cambridge The path investigation is at present obscure, but surprised if before evening cleared it up or made considerable advance along it "

already dark when we reached the old University city Holmes took cab station, and ordered the man to drive house of Dr Leslie Armstrong later we had stopped at large mansion busiest thoroughfare We were shown in, and after long wait were at last admitted consulting-room, where the doctor seated behind his table

It argues the degree I had lost touch with my profession name of Leslie Armstrong was unknown Now aware that only heads medical school University, but thinker of European reputation in more than one branch of science Yet even without knowing his brilliant record one fail impressed by mere glance man, the square, massive face, the brooding eyes under the thatched brows, granite moulding inflexible jaw man of deep character, man with an alert mind, grim, ascetic, self-contained, formidable -- so Dr Leslie Armstrong He held my friend's card hand, and he looked up with no very pleased expression upon his dour features

" heard , Mr Sherlock Holmes, and aware of your profession, one I by no means approve "

" , doctor, yourself in agreement with every criminal country," said my friend, quietly

" efforts are directed towards the suppression of crime, sir, the support of every reasonable member community, though doubt official machinery is amply sufficient Where your calling is more open to criticism is pry secrets of private individuals, rake up family matters which are better hidden, and incidentally waste the time of men more busy than yourself present moment, for example, writing treatise instead of conversing "

" , doctor; and yet the conversation may prove more important treatise Incidentally tell you that doing the reverse of what you very justly blame, endeavouring anything like public exposure of private matters necessarily follow when once the case is fairly hands official police look upon me simply as an irregular pioneer who goes in front regular forces country come to about Mr Godfrey Staunton "

"What about him ? "

" him, not ? "

" an intimate friend "

" aware that he has disappeared ? "

"Ah, indeed ! " no change of expression rugged features doctor

"He left his hotel last night He heard of "

" return "

"To-morrow 'Varsity football match "

" no sympathy childish games The young man's fate interests me deeply, since him and like him The football match come within my horizon at all "

"I claim your sympathy, then, in my investigation of Mr Staunton's fate where ? "

"Certainly not "

" seen him since yesterday ? "

"No, "

"Was Mr Staunton healthy man ? "

"Absolutely "

"Did you ever know him ill ? "

"Never "

Holmes popped sheet of paper doctor's eyes "Then perhaps explain this receipted bill for thirteen guineas, paid Godfrey Staunton last month to Dr Leslie Armstrong of Cambridge I picked it out from papers upon his desk "

The doctor flushed with anger

" feel any reason why render an explanation , Mr Holmes "

Holmes replaced the bill note-book " prefer public explanation it must come sooner or later," said he " already told you that hush up that which others bound , and really be wiser me into your complete confidence "

" nothing "

"Did you hear from Mr Staunton in London ? "

"Certainly not "

"Dear me, dear me; the post-office again ! " Holmes sighed, wearily "A most urgent telegram was dispatched from London by Godfrey Staunton at six-fifteen yesterday evening -- telegram undoubtedly associated disappearance -- and yet had it most culpable certainly go down office here and register complaint "

Dr Leslie Armstrong sprang up from behind his desk, dark face was crimson with fury

"I'll trouble you to walk out house, sir," said he " tell your employer, Lord Mount-James, that wish anything either or agents No, sir, not another word ! " He rang the bell furiously "John, show these gentlemen out ! " pompous butler ushered us severely door, and ourselves street Holmes burst out laughing