" case the overcoat was not blown against the furze-bush, but placed there "

"Yes, laid across the bush "

"You fill me with interest, I perceive ground trampled up many feet here since Monday night "

"A piece of matting laid here side, and all stood upon that "

"Excellent "

" bag boots which Straker wore, one of Fitzroy Simpson's shoes, and cast horseshoe of Silver Blaze "

"My dear Inspector, you surpass yourself ! " Homes took the bag, and, descending hollow, he pushed the matting into more central position Then stretching himself upon his face and leaning his chin upon his hands, careful study trampled mud in front of him "Hullo ! " said he, suddenly "What's this ? " wax vesta half burned, so coated with mud looked at first like little chip of wood

" think how to overlook it," said the Inspector, with an expression of annoyance

" invisible, buried mud I only saw it because looking "

"What ! You expected it ? "

" it not unlikely "

the boots bag, and compared the impressions of each with marks ground Then he clambered rim hollow, and crawled about ferns and bushes

" afraid no more tracks," said the Inspector " examined the ground very carefully for hundred yards in each direction "

"Indeed ! " said Holmes, rising "I have the impertinence again after what you say But like little walk over the moor before it grows dark, that know my ground to-morrow, and that put this horseshoe into my pocket for luck "

Colonel Ross, who had shown some signs of impatience at my companion's quiet and systematic method of work, glanced at his watch " come back with me, Inspector," said he " several points like your advice, and especially whether owe it public to remove our horse's name entries Cup "

"Certainly not," cried Holmes, with decision " let the name stand "

The Colonel bowed " very had your opinion, sir," said he " us at poor Straker's house have finished your walk, and drive together into Tavistock "

He turned back Inspector, while Holmes and I walked slowly across the moor The sun was beginning to sink behind the stables of Mapleton, long, sloping plain in front of us was tinged with gold, deepening into rich, ruddy browns where the faded ferns and brambles caught the evening light But the glories landscape were all wasted upon my companion, who was sunk deepest thought

"It's , Watson," said he at last " leave the question of who killed John Straker instant, and confine ourselves to finding out what has become horse Now, supposing that he broke away during or tragedy, where could he to ? The horse is very gregarious creature If left to himself his instincts either to return to King's Pyland or go over to Mapleton Why should he run wild moor ? surely seen by now And why should gypsies kidnap him ? These people always clear out hear of trouble, for wish pestered police hope such horse run great risk and gain nothing by taking him Surely clear "

"Where is he, then ? "

" already said that gone to King's Pyland or to Mapleton at King's Pyland Therefore at Mapleton take that as working hypothesis what it leads us to This part moor, Inspector remarked, is very hard and dry But if falls away towards Mapleton, and you from here long hollow over yonder, very wet on Monday night If our supposition is correct, then the horse crossed that, and the point where look tracks "

We walking briskly during this conversation, and few more minutes brought us hollow At Holmes' request I walked down the bank right, and he left, but I taken fifty paces before I heard him give shout, and saw him waving his hand The track of horse was plainly outlined soft earth in front of him, shoe which pocket exactly fitted the impression

"See the value of imagination," said Holmes " one quality which Gregory lacks We imagined what happened, acted supposition, and find ourselves justified proceed "

We crossed the marshy bottom and passed over quarter of mile of dry, hard turf Again the ground sloped, and again we came tracks Then we lost them for half mile, but only to pick them up once more quite close to Mapleton Holmes who saw them first, and he stood pointing with look of triumph upon his face man's track was visible beside the horse's

"The horse was alone before," I cried

"Quite so alone before Hullo, what ? "

The double track turned sharp off and took the direction of King's Pyland Homes whistled, and we both followed along after it His eyes were trail, but I happened to look little to one side, and saw to my surprise the same tracks coming back again opposite direction

"One , Watson," said Holmes, when I pointed it out " saved us long walk, which brought us back own traces follow the return track "

We far It ended paving of asphalt which led gates Mapleton stables approached, groom ran out

"We don't want any loiterers about here," said he

"I only wished to ask question," said Holmes, finger and thumb waistcoat pocket "Should I be too early your master, Mr Silas Brown, if I were at five o'clock to-morrow morning ? "

"Bless you, sir, if is about , for always the first stirring But here , sir, to answer your questions for himself No, sir, no; as my place is worth to let him see me touch your money Afterwards, like "

As Sherlock Holmes replaced the half-crown which he had drawn pocket, fierce-looking elderly man strode out gate with hunting-crop swinging hand

"What's this, Dawson ! " he cried "No gossiping ! Go business ! And you, what the devil here ? "

"Ten minutes' talk , my good sir," said Holmes sweetest of voices

"I've no time to every gadabout no stranger here Be off, or find dog at your heels "

Holmes leaned forward and whispered something trainer's ear He started violently and flushed temples

"It's lie ! " he shouted, "an infernal lie ! "

" Shall we argue here in public or talk it over in your parlour ? "

"Oh, come in to "

Holmes smiled " keep you more than , Watson," said he "Now, Mr Brown, quite at your disposal "

twenty minutes, reds had all faded into greys before Holmes trainer reappeared Never have I seen such change as brought about in Silas Brown short time His face was ashy pale, beads of perspiration shone upon his brow, hands shook until the hunting-crop wagged like branch wind His bullying, overbearing manner was all gone too, and he cringed along at my companion's side like dog with its master

"You instructions It shall all ," said he

" no mistake," said Holmes, looking round at him The other winced as he read the menace eyes

"Oh no, there shall be no mistake It shall be there Should I change it first or not ? "

Holmes thought little and then burst out laughing "No, don't," said he; " write No tricks, now, or--"

"Oh, trust me, trust me ! "