by Arthur Conan Doyle

" point of view criminal expert," said Mr Sherlock Holmes, "London has become singularly uninteresting city death late lamented Professor Moriarty "

" hardly think that find many decent citizens to agree ," I answered

"Well, well, not be selfish," said he, with smile, as he pushed back his chair breakfast-table "The community is certainly the gainer, and no one the loser, save the poor out-of-work specialist, whose occupation has gone man field one's morning paper presented infinite possibilities Often only the smallest trace, Watson, the faintest indication, and yet enough me great malignant brain was there, gentlest tremors edges web remind foul spider which lurks centre Petty thefts, wanton assaults, purposeless outrage -- man who held the clue all worked into one connected whole scientific student higher criminal world no capital in Europe offered the advantages which London then possessed But now ----" He shrugged his shoulders in humorous deprecation state of things which he had himself done

I speak Holmes back for some months, and I, at his request, had sold my practice and returned to share the old quarters in Baker Street young doctor, named Verner, had purchased my small Kensington practice, and given with astonishingly little demur the highest price that I ventured to ask -- an incident which only explained itself later when that Verner was distant relation of Holmes's, and my friend who had really found the money

Our months of partnership so uneventful as he had stated, for , on looking over my notes, period includes the case papers of Ex-President Murillo, and also the shocking affair Dutch steamship Friesland, which so nearly cost us both our lives His cold and proud nature was always averse, however, to anything shape of public applause, and he bound me most stringent terms no further word of himself, his methods, or his successes -- prohibition which, as explained, has only now been removed

Mr Sherlock Holmes was leaning back chair after his whimsical protest, and was unfolding his morning paper in leisurely fashion, when our attention was arrested by tremendous ring bell, followed immediately by hollow drumming sound, someone were beating outer door fist As it opened there came tumultuous rush hall, rapid feet clattered up the stair, and an instant later wild-eyed and frantic young man, pale, dishevelled, and palpitating, burst room He looked from one other of us, and under our gaze of inquiry he became conscious that some apology was needed unceremonious entry

"I'm sorry, Mr Holmes," he cried "You mustn't blame me nearly mad Mr Holmes, the unhappy John Hector McFarlane "

the announcement as name alone would explain both his visit and its manner; but I by my companion's unresponsive face meant no more to him than

"Have cigarette, Mr McFarlane," said he, pushing his case across " that with your symptoms my friend Dr Watson here would prescribe sedative The weather so very warm these last Now, feel little more composed, glad sit down chair and tell us very slowly and quietly who and what it You mentioned recognise it, but I assure you that, beyond the obvious facts that bachelor, solicitor, Freemason, and an asthmatic, nothing whatever about you "

Familiar as with my friend's methods, not difficult his deductions, and to observe the untidiness of attire, the sheaf of legal papers, the watch-charm, breathing which had prompted them Our client, however, stared in amazement

"Yes, all that, Mr Holmes, and the most unfortunate man moment in London For Heaven's sake don't abandon me, Mr Holmes ! If to arrest me before finished my story, make them time tell you the whole truth go to gaol happy if that you were working outside "

"Arrest you ! " said Holmes " really most grati -- most interesting On what charge expect arrested ? "

" charge of murdering Mr Jonas Oldacre, of Lower Norwood "

My companion's expressive face showed sympathy not, afraid, entirely unmixed with satisfaction

"Dear me," said he; " only this moment at breakfast that saying to my friend, Dr Watson, that sensational cases had disappeared out papers "

Our visitor stretched forward quivering hand and picked up the Daily Telegraph, which still lay upon Holmes's knee

" had looked at it, sir, seen at glance what the errand is come my name and my misfortune in every man's mouth " He turned it over to expose the central page "Here , and with your permission read it Listen , Mr Holmes The head-lines are: `Mysterious Affair at Lower Norwood Disappearance of Well-known Builder Suspicion of Murder and Arson Clue Criminal ' clue which already following, Mr Holmes, and leads infallibly followed from London Bridge Station, and only waiting warrant to arrest me break my mother's heart -- break her heart ! " He wrung his hands in an agony of apprehension, and swayed backwards and forwards chair

I looked with interest man, who was accused of being the perpetrator of crime of violence flaxen-haired and handsome in washed-out negative fashion, with frightened blue eyes and clean-shaven face, with weak, sensitive mouth His age may about twenty-seven; his dress and bearing that of gentleman pocket light summer overcoat protruded the bundle of endorsed papers which proclaimed his profession

" use what time ," said Holmes "Watson, would the kindness to paper and to read me the paragraph ? "

Underneath the vigorous head-lines which our client had quoted the following suggestive narrative:---

Late last night, or early , an incident occurred at Lower Norwood which points, feared, to serious crime Mr Jonas Oldacre is well-known resident suburb, where he has carried business as builder for many years Mr Oldacre is bachelor, fifty-two , and lives in Deep Dene House, Sydenham end road name He has had the reputation of being man of eccentric habits, secretive and retiring he has practically withdrawn business, said amassed considerable wealth small timber-yard still exists, however, back house, and last night, about twelve o'clock, an alarm was given that stacks was on fire The engines were soon spot, but the dry wood burned with great fury, and impossible to arrest the conflagration until the stack entirely consumed Up point the incident bore the appearance of an ordinary accident, but fresh indications seem to point to serious crime Surprise was expressed absence master establishment scene fire, and an inquiry followed, which showed that he had disappeared house An examination room revealed bed slept in, that safe which stood in open, that number of important papers were scattered room, and, finally, that there were signs of murderous struggle, slight traces of blood being found room, and an oaken walking-stick, which also showed stains of blood handle known that Mr Jonas Oldacre had received late visitor bedroom upon that night, stick found identified property person, young London solicitor named John Hector McFarlane, junior partner of Graham and McFarlane, of 426, Gresham Buildings, E C The police believe that evidence in their possession which supplies very convincing motive crime, and altogether it doubted that sensational developments will follow