quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still wanted ten minutes hour when ourselves in Serpentine Avenue already dusk, lamps were just being lighted paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, waiting coming occupant The house was just such as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes's succinct description, but the locality appeared less private than I expected contrary, for small street in quiet neighborhood, remarkably animated group of shabbily dressed men smoking and laughing in corner, scissors-grinder wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with nurse-girl, and several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with cigars in their mouths

" ," remarked Holmes, paced to and fro in front house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters The photograph becomes double-edged weapon now The chances are that be as averse to its being seen Godfrey Norton, as our client is to its coming eyes princess Now the question is, Where are we the photograph ? "

"Where, indeed ? "

" most unlikely that she carries it about with her cabinet size Too large for easy concealment about woman's dress She knows King is capable of having her waylaid and searched Two attempts sort have already been made take it, then, that she carry it about with her "

"Where, then ? "

"Her banker or her lawyer that double possibility But inclined neither Women are naturally secretive, like their own secreting Why should she hand it over to anyone else ? trust her own guardianship, but tell what indirect or political influence brought to bear upon business man Besides, remember that she had resolved to use it within It where lay her hands upon it It in her own house "

"But it has twice been burgled "

"Pshaw ! know how to look "

"But how look ? "

" look "

"What then ? "

" get her to show me "

"But she will refuse "

"She to But I hear the rumble of wheels her carriage Now carry out my orders letter "

As he spoke the gleam side-lights of carriage came round the curve avenue smart little landau which rattled door of Briony Lodge As it pulled up, loafing men corner dashed forward to open the door hope of earning copper, but was elbowed away by another loafer, who had rushed up same intention fierce quarrel broke out, increased two guardsmen, who took sides with loungers, and scissorsgrinder, who was equally hot other side blow was struck, and in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, centre of little knot of flushed and struggling men, who struck savagely at with their fists and sticks Holmes dashed crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached her cry and dropped ground, blood running freely down his face At his fall the guardsmen took heels in one direction loungers other, while number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle without taking part , crowded in to help the lady and to attend injured man Irene Adler, as still call her, had hurried up the steps; but she stood top with her superb figure outlined against the lights hall, looking back street

" poor gentleman much hurt ? " she asked

" dead," cried several voices

"No, no, there's life in him ! " shouted another "But he'll be gone get him to hospital "

"He's brave fellow," said woman " had the lady's purse and watch hadn't been for him They were gang, and rough one, too Ah, he's breathing now "

" 't lie street May we bring him in, marm ? "

"Surely Bring him sitting-room comfortable sofa , please ! "

Slowly and solemnly borne into Briony Lodge and laid out principal room, while I still observed the proceedings from my post window The lamps lit, but the blinds drawn, I Holmes as he lay couch know whether seized with compunction moment part playing, but that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life than when the beautiful creature against whom conspiring, or the grace and kindliness she waited injured man And yet it the blackest treachery to Holmes to draw back now part which he had intrusted I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under my ulster After all, , injuring her but preventing her from injuring another

Holmes had sat up couch, and him motion like man in need of air maid rushed across and threw open the window same instant him raise his hand and signal I tossed my rocket room with cry of "Fire ! " The word was no sooner out mouth whole crowd of spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and servant-maids--joined in general shriek of "Fire ! " Thick clouds of smoke curled room and out open window I caught glimpse of rushing figures, and moment later the voice of Holmes from within assuring them false alarm Slipping shouting crowd my way corner street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced my friend's arm in mine, and away scene of uproar He walked swiftly and in silence for some until we had turned down quiet streets which lead towards the Edgeware Road

" it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked "Nothing better all right "

" the photograph ? "

" where "

"And how did you find out ? "

"She showed me, as you "

" still dark "

" wish mystery," said he, laughing "The matter was perfectly simple You, , saw that everyone street was an accomplice They were all engaged evening "

"I guessed "

"Then, row broke out, I had little moist red paint palm hand I rushed forward, fell down clapped my hand to my face, and became piteous spectacle an old trick "

"That also fathom "

"Then they carried me in She was bound me in What else could she do ? And into her sitting-room the very room which I suspected It lay between that and her bedroom, and determined which They laid me on couch, I motioned for air, they were compelled to open the window and you had your chance "

"How did that ? "