our client still under the charge devoted nurse, but looking considerably better than before He rose sofa and greeted us without difficulty when we entered

"Any news ? " he asked, eagerly

"My report, as I expected, is negative one," said Holmes " Forbes, and your uncle, and set trains of inquiry upon foot lead to something "

" lost heart, then ? "

"By no means "

"God bless you for saying that ! " cried Miss Harrison " keep our courage patience the truth must come out "

" more you than ," said Phelps, reseating himself couch

"I hoped you something "

"Yes, an adventure during the night, and one which proved serious one " His expression grew very grave as he spoke, and look of something akin to fear sprang up eyes " ," said he, "that I begin that the unconscious centre of some monstrous conspiracy, my life is aimed at as my honour ? "

"Ah ! " cried Holmes

"It sounds incredible, for , as far as , an enemy Yet from last night's experience come to no other conclusion "

"Pray let me hear it "

" know that last night very first night that ever slept without nurse room better that dispense with one I had night-light burning, however Well, about two morning I had sunk into light sleep when suddenly aroused by slight noise like the sound which mouse makes when gnawing plank, and I lay listening for under the impression must come cause Then it grew louder, and suddenly there came window sharp metallic snick I sat up in amazement There what the sounds were now The first ones caused by some one forcing an instrument slit sashes, second catch being pressed back

" pause then for about ten minutes, as person were waiting whether the noise had awakened me Then I heard gentle creaking window was very slowly opened stand it no longer, nerves what they used I sprang out of bed and flung open the shutters man was crouching window I little of him, for gone like flash wrapped in some sort of cloak which came across the lower part face only of, he had some weapon hand It looked like long knife I distinctly saw the gleam of it as he turned to run "

" most interesting," said Holmes "Pray what did then ? "

" followed him open window if I stronger As , I rang the bell and roused the house It took me some little time, bell rings kitchen servants all sleep upstairs I shouted, however, brought Joseph down, and he roused the others Joseph groom found marks bed outside the window, but the weather so dry lately found it hopeless the trail across the grass There's place, however, wooden fence which skirts the road which shows signs, they tell me, some one had got over, and had snapped the top rail in said nothing local police yet, for I had best have your opinion first "

This tale client's appeared an extraordinary effect upon Sherlock Holmes He rose chair and paced room in uncontrollable excitement

"Misfortunes never come single," said Phelps, smiling, though evident that his adventure had somewhat shaken him

" certainly had your share," said Holmes " walk round the house with me ? "

"Oh, yes, like little sunshine Joseph will come, too "

"And I also," said Miss Harrison

" afraid not," said Holmes, shaking his head " to remain sitting exactly where "

The young lady resumed her seat with an air of displeasure Her brother, however, had joined us and we set off all four together We passed round the lawn outside young diplomatist's window There were, as he had said, marks bed, but they were hopelessly blurred and vague Holmes stopped over them for an instant, and then rose shrugging his shoulders

"I don't think could make much ," said he " go round the house why this particular room was chose burglar thought those larger windows drawing-room and dining-room had more attractions for him "

" more visible road," suggested Mr Joseph Harrison

"Ah, yes, door here which attempted it for ? "

" side entrance for trades-people locked at night "

" ever had an alarm like this before ? "

"Never," said our client

" keep plate house, or anything to attract burglars ? "

"Nothing of value "

Holmes strolled round the house hands pockets and negligent air unusual

" ," said he to Joseph Harrison, "you found some place, I understand, where the fellow scaled the fence look ! "

The plump young man led us to spot where the top of wooden rails cracked small fragment wood was hanging down Holmes pulled it off and examined it critically

" that last night ? It looks rather old, does it not ? "

"Well, possibly so "

" no marks of jumping down other side No, I fancy get no help here go back bedroom and talk the matter over "

Percy Phelps was walking very slowly, leaning arm future brother-in-law Holmes walked swiftly across the lawn, and we were open window bedroom long others came up

"Miss Harrison," said Holmes, speaking utmost intensity of manner, " stay where all day Let nothing prevent you from staying where all day utmost importance "

"Certainly, it, Mr Holmes," said the girl in astonishment

" go to bed lock the door room outside and keep the key Promise to "

"But Percy ? "

" come to London "

"And am I to remain here ? "

" sake serve him Quick ! Promise ! "

She gave quick nod of assent just other two came up

"Why sit moping there, Annie ? " cried her brother "Come out sunshine ! "

"No, , Joseph slight headache and this room is deliciously cool and soothing "

"What propose now, Mr Holmes ? " asked our client

"Well, in investigating this minor affair not lose sight main inquiry It very great help come London "

"At once ? "

"Well, you conveniently can Say in an hour "

" quite strong enough, if really be of any help "

"The greatest possible "

"Perhaps like me the stay there to-night ? "