" Mr Holmes talks of signals," said Gregson "I expect, as usual, that we don't "

In few clear words Holmes explained the situation as it had appeared The American struck his hands together with vexation

"He's on ! " he cried

"Why so ? "

"Well, it figures out that way, does it not ? Here , sending out messages to an accomplice- several gang in London Then suddenly, just as by your own account telling them that danger, he broke short off What could it mean except that window he had suddenly either caught sight of us street, or in some way come to understand how close the danger was, act right away if to avoid it ? What suggest, Mr Holmes ? "

"That we go up at once for ourselves "

"But no warrant arrest "

" in unoccupied premises under suspicious circumstances," said Gregson " good enough moment When him heels if New York can't him I'll responsibility of arresting him now "

Our official detectives may blunder matter of intelligence, but never of courage Gregson climbed the stair to arrest this desperate murderer same absolutely quiet and businesslike bearing ascended the official staircase of Scotland Yard The Pinkerton man had tried to push past him, but Gregson had firmly elbowed him back London dangers were the privilege London force

The door left-hand flat third landing was standing ajar Gregson pushed it open Within all was absolute silence and darkness I struck match and lit the detective's lantern As so, and flicker steadied into flame, we all gave gasp of surprise deal boards carpetless floor outlined fresh track of blood The red steps pointed towards us and led away from an inner room, the door of closed Gregson flung it open and held his light full blaze in front of him, while we all peered eagerly over his shoulders

middle floor empty room was huddled the figure of an enormous man, his clean-shaven, swarthy face grotesquely horrible in its contortion head encircled by ghastly crimson halo of blood, lying in broad wet circle white woodwork His knees were drawn up, his hands thrown out in agony, and centre broad, brown, upturned throat there projected the white haft of knife driven blade-deep into his body Giant as , the man must down like pole-axed ox terrific blow Beside his right hand most formidable horn-handled, two-edged dagger lay floor, and near it black kid glove

"By George ! it's Black Gorgiano himself ! " cried the American detective "Someone has got ahead of us "

candle window, Mr Holmes," said Gregson "Why, whatever doing ? "

Holmes had stepped across, had lit the candle, and was passing it backward and forward across the window-panes Then he peered darkness, blew the candle out, and threw it floor

"I rather think helpful," said he over and stood in deep thought while the two professionals were examining the body "You say that three people came out flat while you were waiting downstairs," said he at last "Did you observe them closely ? "

"Yes, "

"Was there fellow about thirty, black-bearded, dark, of middle size ? "

"Yes; he last me "

" your man, I fancy his description, and very excellent outline footmark That enough "

"Not much, Mr Holmes, millions of London "

"Perhaps not why it best to summon this lady to your aid "

We all turned round words There, framed doorway, was tall and beautiful woman- the mysterious lodger of Bloomsbury Slowly she advanced, her face pale and drawn with frightful apprehension, her eyes fixed and staring, her terrified gaze riveted dark figure floor

" killed him ! " she muttered "Oh, Dio mio, killed him ! " Then I heard sudden sharp intake of her breath, and she sprang air with cry of joy Round and round the room she danced, her hands clapping, her dark eyes gleaming with delighted wonder, and thousand pretty Italian exclamations pouring from her lips terrible and amazing such woman so convulsed with joy at such sight Suddenly she stopped and gazed at us all with questioning stare

"But you ! police, not ? killed Giuseppe Gorgiano not so ? "

" police, madam "

She looked round shadows room

"But where, then, is Gennaro ? " she asked " my husband, Gennaro Lucca am Emilia Lucca, and both from New York Where is Gennaro ? me this moment window, and I ran with all my speed "

" I who called," said Holmes

"You ! How could you call ? "

"Your cipher was not difficult, madam Your presence here was desirable that I had only to flash "Vieni" and surely come "

The beautiful Italian looked with awe at my companion

" understand how these things," she said "Giuseppe Gorgiano- how did he--" She paused, and then suddenly her face lit up with pride and delight "Now it ! My Gennaro ! My splendid, beautiful Gennaro, who has guarded me safe from all harm, it, own strong hand he killed the monster ! Oh, Gennaro, how wonderful ! What woman could ever be worthy man ? "

"Well, Mrs Lucca," said the prosaic Gregson, laying his hand lady's sleeve with as little sentiment she were Notting Hill hooligan, " not very clear yet who or what ; but you've said enough it very clear that want you Yard "

"One moment, Gregson," said Holmes "I rather fancy lady as anxious to information be it You understand, madam, that your husband arrested and tried death man who lies ? What you say used in evidence But that he has acted from motives which criminal, and which wish known, then serve him better than by telling us the whole story "

"Now that Gorgiano is dead we fear nothing," said the lady " devil and monster, and there no judge punish my husband for having killed him "

" case," said Holmes, "my suggestion we lock this door, leave things as them, go lady to her room, and form our opinion after heard what it she has "

Half an hour later we were seated, all four, small sitting-room of Signora Lucca, listening to her remarkable narrative sinister events, the ending we had chanced to witness She spoke in rapid and fluent but very unconventional English, which, sake of clearness, make grammatical

" born in Posilippo, near Naples," said she, "and daughter of Augusto Barelli, who chief lawyer and once the deputy part Gennaro was in my father's employment, and to love him, as any woman must He had neither money nor position- nothing but his beauty and strength and energy- so my father forbade the match We fled together, were married at Bari, and sold my jewels to gain the money which would take us to America four , and in New York

"Fortune was at first Gennaro was able service to an Italian gentleman- he saved him from some ruffians place called the Bowery, and so made powerful friend His name was Tito Castalotte, and he senior partner great firm of Castalotte and Zamba, the chief fruit importers of New York Signor Zamba is an invalid, new friend Castalotte has all power firm, which employs more than three hundred men my husband into his employment, made him head of department, and showed his good-will towards him in every way Signor Castalotte was bachelor, and I believe that Gennaro was his son, and both my husband and I loved him he were our father We had taken and furnished little house in Brooklyn, whole future seemed assured black cloud appeared soon to overspread our sky