"Dr Leslie Armstrong is certainly man of energy and character," said he " seen man who, if he turned his talents that way, was more calculated the gap left illustrious Moriarty And now, my poor Watson, here , stranded and friendless inhospitable town, which leave without abandoning our case This little inn just opposite Armstrong's house is singularly adapted to our needs engage front room and purchase the necessaries night, time few inquiries "

These few inquiries proved, however, more lengthy proceeding than Holmes had imagined, for return inn until nearly nine o'clock pale and dejected, stained with dust, and exhausted with hunger and fatigue cold supper was ready table, and when his needs were satisfied pipe alight ready that half comic and wholly philosophic view natural to him when his affairs were going awry The sound of carriage wheels caused him to rise and glance window brougham and pair of greys under the glare of gas-lamp stood doctor's door

"It's been out three hours," said Holmes; "started at half-past six, and here back again That gives radius of ten or twelve miles, and it once, or sometimes twice, day "

"No unusual thing for doctor in practice "

"But Armstrong really doctor in practice lecturer and consultant, but care for general practice, which distracts him literary work Why, then, does he make these long journeys, be exceedingly irksome to him, and it that he visits ? "

"His coachman ----"

"My dear Watson, doubt to him that I first applied ? know whether it came own innate depravity or promptings master, but rude enough to set dog at me Neither dog nor man liked the look stick, however, matter fell through Relations were strained , and further inquiries All that learned I got from friendly native yard own inn he who told me doctor's habits and daily journey instant, point words, the carriage came round door "

"Could you not follow it ? "

"Excellent, Watson ! scintillating this evening The idea did cross my mind , observed, bicycle shop next to our inn I rushed, engaged bicycle, and was able started carriage was quite out of sight I rapidly overtook it, and then, keeping at discreet distance of hundred yards or so, I followed its lights until we were clear town We had got well out country road when somewhat mortifying incident occurred The carriage stopped, the doctor alighted, walked swiftly back to where I had also halted, and told me in an excellent sardonic fashion that he feared the road was narrow, he hoped his carriage impede the passage bicycle Nothing more admirable than his way of putting it I at once rode past the carriage, and, keeping main road, I went on for few miles, and then halted in convenient place carriage passed no sign of it, however, and so it became evident had turned down one of several side roads which I had observed I rode back, but again saw nothing carriage, and now, perceive, it has returned after me , I had outset no particular reason to connect these journeys disappearance of Godfrey Staunton, and was only inclined to investigate them general grounds that everything which concerns Dr Armstrong is at present of interest ; but, now that he keeps so keen look-out upon anyone follow him excursions, the affair appears more important, and satisfied until the matter clear "

" follow him to-morrow "

"Can we ? so easy seem familiar with Cambridgeshire scenery, ? It lend itself to concealment All this country that I passed over to-night is as flat and clean palm of your hand, man following is no fool, as he very clearly showed to-night wired to Overton to any fresh London developments address, and meantime only concentrate our attention upon Dr Armstrong, whose name the obliging young lady office allowed me to read counterfoil of Staunton's urgent message where the young man is -- I'll swear -- and if , then it our own fault manage also At present it admitted odd trick is possession, and, aware, Watson, my habit to leave the game condition "

And yet the brought us no nearer solution mystery note was handed in after breakfast, which Holmes passed across with smile

"Sir," it ran, " assure you that wasting your time in dogging my movements , discovered last night, window back brougham, and if twenty-mile ride which will lead you spot you started, only me Meanwhile, inform you that no spying upon me can in help Mr Godfrey Staunton, and convinced best service do gentleman is to return at once to London and to report to your employer that unable to trace him Your time in Cambridge will certainly be wasted

"Yours faithfully,

"Leslie Armstrong "

"An outspoken, honest antagonist doctor," said Holmes "Well, well, he excites my curiosity, and really know more before I leave him "

"His carriage is at his door now," said I "There stepping him glance up at our window as so Suppose I try my luck bicycle ? "

"No, no, my dear Watson ! With all respect for your natural acumen that quite match worthy doctor that possibly attain our end by some independent explorations own afraid that leave you to your own devices, appearance of TWO inquiring strangers upon sleepy countryside might excite more gossip than I care for some sights to amuse you venerable city, and to bring back more favourable report before evening "

Once more, however, my friend was destined disappointed back at night weary and unsuccessful

" blank day, Watson Having got the doctor's general direction, I spent the day in visiting all the villages upon that side of Cambridge, and comparing notes with publicans and other local news agencies covered some ground: Chesterton, Histon, Waterbeach, and Oakington have each been explored each proved disappointing The daily appearance of brougham and pair could hardly overlooked Sleepy Hollows The doctor has scored once more telegram ? "

"Yes; I opened it Here : `Ask for Pompey from Jeremy Dixon, Trinity College ' I don't understand it "

"Oh, clear enough friend Overton, in answer to question from me I'll just send round note to Mr Jeremy Dixon, and then luck will turn , any news match ? "

"Yes, the local evening paper has an excellent account in its last edition Oxford won by goal and two tries The last sentences description say: `The defeat Light Blues entirely attributed unfortunate absence crack International, Godfrey Staunton, whose want was felt at every instant game The lack of combination three-quarter line and their weakness both in attack and defence more than neutralised the efforts of heavy and hard-working pack '"

"Then our friend Overton's forebodings justified," said Holmes "Personally in agreement with Dr Armstrong, and football come within my horizon Early to bed to-night, Watson, for I foresee that to-morrow an eventful day "

horrified by my first glimpse of Holmes next morning, for he sat fire holding his tiny hypodermic syringe I associated that instrument single weakness nature, and I feared the worst when it glittering hand He laughed at my expression of dismay, and laid it table