"Well, gentlemen," he asked, "what can ? "

"We came," I explained, "in answer to your wire "

"My wire ! no wire "

"I mean the wire which you sent to Mr Josiah Amberley about his wife money "

" joke, sir, very questionable one," said the vicar angrily " never heard gentleman you name, and sent wire to anyone "

Our client and I looked at in amazement

"Perhaps some mistake," said I; "are there perhaps two vicarages ? wire itself, signed Elman and dated Vicarage "

" vicarage, sir, and vicar, and this wire is scandalous forgery, the origin shall certainly be investigated police Meanwhile, no possible object in prolonging this interview "

So Mr Amberley and ourselves roadside in what seemed the most primitive village in England telegraph office, but already closed telephone, however, little Railway Arms, and I got into touch with Holmes, who shared amazement result journey

"Most singular ! " said the distant voice "Most remarkable ! I much fear, my dear Watson, no return train to-night unwittingly condemned you horrors of country inn However, always Nature, Watson -- Nature and Josiah Amberley -- in close commune with both " I heard his dry chuckle as he turned away

soon apparent that my companion's reputation as miser was not undeserved He had grumbled expense journey, had insisted upon travelling third-class, and was now clamorous objections hotel bill Next morning, when at last arrive in London, hard which of us was worse humour

"You had best take Baker Street pass," said I " Mr Holmes some fresh instructions "

" worth more last ones of much use," said Amberley with malevolent scowl None the less, he kept me company I had already warned Holmes by telegram hour arrival, but message waiting that at Lewisham and would expect us there That was surprise, but an even greater one was that not alone sitting-room client stern-looking, impassive man sat beside him, dark man with gray-tinted glasses and large Masonic pin projecting tie

" my friend Mr Barker," said Holmes "He interesting himself also in your business, Mr Josiah Amberley, though working independently But we both have the same question to ! "

Mr Amberley sat down heavily He sensed impending danger it straining eyes twitching features

" the question, Mr Holmes ? "

"Only this: What did bodies ? "

The man sprang feet with hoarse scream He clawed air bony hands His mouth was open, and instant he looked like some horrible bird of prey In flash we got glimpse real Josiah Amberley, misshapen demon with soul as distorted as his body As he fell back into his chair he clapped his hand lips to stifle cough Holmes sprang at his throat like tiger and twisted his face towards the ground white pellet fell from between his gasping lips

"No short cuts, Josiah Amberley Things decently and What , Barker ? "

" cab door," said our taciturn companion

" only few hundred yards station go together stay here, Watson back within half an hour "

The old colourman had the strength of lion great trunk , but helpless hands two experienced man-handlers Wriggling and twisting dragged waiting cab, and left to my solitary vigil ill-omened house In less time than he had named, however, Holmes was back, in company with smart young police inspector

"I've left Barker to look formalities," said Holmes "You met Barker, Watson my hated rival Surrey shore said tall dark man not difficult to complete the picture He has several good cases credit, has he not, Inspector ? "

"He has certainly interfered ," the inspector answered with reserve

"His methods are irregular, , like my own The irregulars are useful sometimes, You, for example, with your compulsory warning about whatever being used against him, could never have bluffed this rascal into virtually confession "

"Perhaps not But we get there all the same, Mr Holmes Don't imagine that we formed our own views of , have laid our hands man excuse us for feeling sore jump in with methods which use, and so rob us credit "

"There shall be no such robbery, MacKinnon I assure you that I efface myself from now onward, and Barker, he nothing save what him "

The inspector seemed considerably relieved

" very handsome of you, Mr Holmes Praise or blame can matter little , but very different newspapers begin to ask questions "

"Quite so But pretty sure to ask questions anyhow, so it answers you say, for example, intelligent and enterprising reporter asks you what the exact points were which aroused your suspicion, and finally certain conviction real facts ? "

The inspector looked puzzled

"We don't seem got any real facts yet, Mr Holmes You say prisoner, presence of three witnesses, practically confessed by trying to commit suicide, that he had murdered his wife and her lover What other facts ? "

" arranged for search ? "

" three constables on their way "

"Then soon get the clearest fact of all The bodies far away Try the cellars garden It take long to dig up the likely places This house is older water-pipes disused well somewhere Try your luck there "

"But how did of it, and how done ? "