by Arthur Conan Doyle

The July which immediately succeeded my marriage memorable by three cases of interest, I had the privilege of being associated with Sherlock Holmes and of studying his methods them recorded in my notes under the headings of "The Adventure Second Stain," "The Adventure Naval Treaty," and "The Adventure Tired Captain " The first , however, deals with interest importance and implicates first families kingdom that for many years impossible it public No case, however, Holmes was engaged has ever illustrated the value analytical methods so clearly or has impressed those who were associated so deeply I still retain an almost verbatim report interview he demonstrated the true facts case to Monsieur Dubugue Paris police, and Fritz von Waldbaum, the well-known specialist of Dantzig, both of whom had wasted their energies upon what proved side-issues The new century come, however, story safely told Meanwhile I pass on second on my list, which promised also at of national importance, and was marked by several incidents which give it quite unique character

During my school-days I intimately associated with lad named Percy Phelps, who was of much the same age as myself, though two classes ahead of me very brilliant boy, and carried away every prize which the school had to offer, finished his exploits by winning scholarship which sent him on his triumphant career at Cambridge , I remember, extremely well connected, and even when we were all little boys together that his mother's brother was Lord Holdhurst, the great conservative politician This gaudy relationship did him little good at school contrary, it seemed rather piquant thing to chevy him playground and hit him over the shins with wicket But another thing when out world I heard vaguely that his abilities influences which he commanded had won him good position Foreign Office, and then he passed completely out mind until the following letter recalled his existence:

Briarbrae, Woking

MY DEAR WATSON,--

that remember "Tadpole" Phelps, who was fifth form were third possible even that heard that through my uncle's influence I obtained good appointment Foreign Office, in situation of trust and honour until horrible misfortune came suddenly to blast my career

no use writing details dreadful event event of your acceding to my request probably that to narrate them only just recovered from nine weeks of brain-fever, and am still exceedingly weak that bring your friend Mr Holmes down me ? like his opinion case, though the authorities assure me that nothing more Do try to bring him down, and seems an hour while I live state of horrible suspense Assure him that if asked his advice sooner not because appreciate his talents, but because off my head the blow fell Now clear again, though I dare not think of it for fear of relapse still so weak that to write, as , by dictating Do try to bring him

Your old school-fellow,

PERCY PHELPS

something that touched me as this letter, something pitiable reiterated appeals to bring Holmes So moved was I that even had it been difficult matter tried it, but well that Holmes loved his art, ever as ready to bring his aid as his client to receive it My wife agreed with me that not moment lost in laying the matter before him, and so within an hour of breakfast-time myself back once more old rooms in Baker Street

Holmes was seated at his side-table clad dressing-gown, and working hard over chemical investigation large curved retort was boiling furiously bluish flame of Bunsen burner, distilled drops were condensing into two-litre measure My friend hardly glanced up as I entered, and I, seeing that his investigation of importance, seated myself in an arm-chair and waited He dipped bottle or that, drawing out few drops of each glass pipette, and finally brought test-tube containing solution over table right hand he held slip of litmus-paper

"You come at crisis, Watson," said he " paper remains blue, all is well turns red, it means man's life " He dipped it test-tube and it flushed at once into dull, dirty crimson "Hum ! ! " he cried " at your service in an instant, Watson tobacco Persian slipper " He turned desk and scribbled off several telegrams, which were handed over page-boy Then he threw himself down chair opposite, and drew up his knees until his fingers clasped round his long, thin shins

"A very commonplace little murder," said he "You've got something better, I fancy the stormy petrel of crime, Watson it ? "

I handed him the letter, which he read most concentrated attention

"It tell us , does it ? " he remarked, as he handed it back

"Hardly anything "

"And yet the writing is of interest "

"But the writing his own "

"Precisely woman's "

"A man's surely," I cried

"No, woman's, and woman of rare character , commencement of an investigation something that your client is in close contact with some one who, for good or evil, has an exceptional nature My interest is already awakened case ready start at once for Woking, this diplomatist evil case, lady he dictates his letters "

We were fortunate enough to catch an early train at Waterloo, and in little under an hour ourselves fir-woods heather of Woking Briarbrae proved large detached house standing in extensive grounds within ' walk station On sending cards we were shown into an elegantly appointed drawing-room, where we were joined by rather stout man who received us with much hospitality His age may nearer forty than thirty, but his cheeks were so ruddy eyes so merry that he still conveyed the impression of plump and mischievous boy

" so glad that come," said he, shaking our hands with effusion "Percy inquiring all morning Ah, poor old chap, he clings to any straw ! His father mother asked me you, mere mention subject is very painful "

" no details yet," observed Holmes "I perceive that yourself member family "

Our acquaintance looked surprised, and then, glancing down, he began to laugh

" you saw the J H monogram on my locket," said he "For moment you had done something clever Joseph Harrison is my name, and as Percy is to marry my sister Annie be relation by marriage my sister room, for she has nursed him hand-and-foot this two months back Perhaps we'd better go in at once, for how impatient "

The chamber we were shown was same floor drawing-room furnished partly as sitting and partly as bedroom, with flowers arranged daintily in every nook and corner young man, very pale and worn, was lying upon sofa near the open window, through which came the rich scent garden balmy summer air woman was sitting beside him, who rose entered

"Shall I leave, Percy ? " she asked

He clutched her hand to detain her "How , Watson ? " said he, cordially " never have known you under that moustache, and I dare say prepared to swear This I presume is your celebrated friend, Mr Sherlock Holmes ? "

I introduced him in few words, and we both sat down The stout young man had left us, but his sister still remained with her hand invalid She was striking-looking woman, little short and thick for symmetry, but with beautiful olive complexion, large, dark, Italian eyes, and wealth of deep black hair Her rich tints made the white face of her companion the more worn and haggard contrast