" remarkable -- most remarkable," said Holmes, whose interest case seemed rising "Pray continue, Watson your narrative most arresting Did you personally examine this ticket ? , perchance, number ? "

"It so happens that ," I answered with some pride "It chanced my old school number, thirty-one, and so is stuck in my head "

"Excellent, Watson ! His seat, then, was either thirty or thirty-two "

"Quite so," I answered with some mystification "And on B row "

" most satisfactory What else did he tell you ? "

"He showed me his strong-room, as it It really is strong-room -- like bank -- with iron door and shutter -- burglarproof, as he claimed However, the woman seems to duplicate key, and they had carried off some seven thousand pounds' worth of cash and securities "

"Securities ! How could they dispose ? "

" that he had given the police list he hoped unsaleable He had got back theatre about midnight and found the place plundered, the door and window open, fugitives gone no letter or message, nor has he heard word since He at once gave the alarm police "

Holmes brooded for some minutes

"You say painting he painting ? "

"Well, painting the passage But he had already painted the door and woodwork room I spoke of "

"Does it not strike you as strange occupation circumstances ? "

" 'One must do something to ease an aching heart ' That was his own explanation eccentric, , but clearly an eccentric man He tore up one wife's photographs in my presence -- tore it up furiously in tempest of passion 'I never wish her damned face again,' he shrieked "

"Anything more, Watson ? "

"Yes, which struck me more than anything else I had driven Blackheath Station and had caught my train there when, just as starting, man dart carriage next to my own that quick eye for faces, Holmes undoubtedly the tall, dark man whom I had addressed street him once more at London Bridge, and then I lost him crowd But convinced that following me "

" ! ! " said Holmes "A tall, dark, heavily moustached man, you say, with gray-tinted sun-glasses ? "

"Holmes, wizard so, but he had gray-tinted sun-glasses "

"And Masonic tie-pin ? "

"Holmes ! "

"Quite simple, my dear Watson But get down to practical admit case, which seemed so absurdly simple be hardly worth my notice, is rapidly assuming very different aspect true that though in your mission missed everything of importance, yet even those things obtruded themselves upon your notice give rise to serious thought "

"What have I missed ? "

"Don't be hurt, my dear fellow that quite impersonal No one else done better Some possibly not But clearly missed some vital points the opinion neighbours man Amberley wife ? That surely is of importance What of Dr Ernest ? Was he the gay Lothario one would expect ? With your natural advantages, Watson, every lady is your helper and accomplice What girl post-office, or the wife greengrocer ? picture you whispering soft nothings young lady Blue Anchor, and receiving hard somethings in exchange All this left undone "

"It can still "

"It Thanks telephone help Yard, usually get my essentials without leaving this room As matter of fact, my information confirms the man's story He local repute of being miser as harsh and exacting husband That he had large sum of money strong-room is certain So also that young Dr Ernest, an unmarried man, played chess with Amberley, and probably played the fool wife All this seems plain sailing, and one would think that no more said -- and yet ! -and yet ! "

"Where lies the difficulty ? "

"In my imagination, perhaps Well, leave it there, Watson escape weary workaday world side door of music Carina sings to-night Albert Hall, and we still have time to dress, dine, and enjoy "

morning up betimes, but some toast crumbs and two empty eggshells told me that my companion was earlier still scribbled note table

DEAR WATSON: points of contact which wish to establish with Mr Josiah Amberley When so dismiss the case -- or not only on hand about three o'clock, as I conceive it possible that want you S H

nothing of Holmes all day, but hour named he returned, grave, preoccupied, and aloof At such times wiser to leave him to himself

"Has Amberley been here yet ? "

"No "

"Ah ! expecting him "

not disappointed, for presently the old fellow arrived with very worried and puzzled expression upon his austere face

"I've had telegram, Mr Holmes make nothing of it " He handed it over, and Holmes read it aloud

"Come at once without fail Can information your recent loss "ELMAN "The Vicarage

"Dispatched at 2:10 from Little Purlington," said Holmes "Little Purlington is in Essex, I believe, not far from Frinton Well, start at once evidently from responsible person, the vicar place Where is my Crockford ? Yes, here him: 'J C Elman, M . , Living of Moosmoor cum Little Purlington ' Look up the trains, Watson "

" one at 5:20 from Liverpool Street "

"Excellent You had best go , Watson need help or advice Clearly come to crisis affair "

But our client seemed by no means eager to start

"It's perfectly absurd, Mr Holmes," "What can this man possibly know of what has occurred ? waste and money "

" have telegraphed if know something Wire at once that coming "

"I don't think go "

Holmes assumed his sternest aspect

"It would worst possible impression both police and upon myself, Mr Amberley, if when so obvious clue arose refuse it up feel that you really in earnest investigation "

Our client seemed horrified suggestion

"Why, go look at it way," said he " face of it, it seems absurd to suppose parson knows anything, but --"

" think," said Holmes with emphasis, and so we were launched upon our journey Holmes took me aside before we left the room and one word of counsel, which showed that he considered the matter of importance "Whatever , see that he really does go," said he "Should he break away or return, get nearest telephone exchange and send the single word 'Bolted ' arrange here shall reach me wherever "