"A more perfect compound bully, coward, and sneak than Master Silas Brown seldom met with," remarked Holmes trudged along together

"He horse, then ? "

"He tried to bluster out of it, but I described to him so exactly what his actions upon that morning that convinced that watching him you observed the peculiarly square toes impressions, his own boots exactly corresponded Again, no subordinate dared such thing I described to him how, when according custom he first down, he perceived strange horse wandering over the moor How he went out , astonishment at recognising, white forehead which the favourite its name, that chance had put power the only horse which could beat the one he had put his money Then I described how his first impulse to lead him back to King's Pyland, and how the devil had shown him how hide the horse until the race was over, and how he had led it back and concealed it at Mapleton When him every detail it up and thought only of saving his own skin "

"But his stables searched ? "

"Oh, and old horse-fakir like him has many dodge "

"But not afraid to leave the horse power now, since he has every interest in injuring it ? "

"My dear fellow, guard it apple eye that his only hope of mercy is it safe "

"Colonel Ross impress me as man likely to show much mercy in any case "

"The matter rest with Colonel Ross I follow my own methods, and tell or as little as I choose advantage of being unofficial I don't know whether you observed it, Watson, but the Colonel's manner just trifle cavalier inclined now little amusement at his expense Say nothing to him horse "

"Certainly not without your permission "

"And all quite minor point compared question of who killed John Straker "

"And devote yourself ? "

" contrary, we both go back to London night train "

thunderstruck by my friend's words We had only been few hours in Devonshire, give up an investigation which he had begun so brilliantly was quite incomprehensible Not word more could I draw until we were back trainer's house The Colonel Inspector were awaiting us parlour

"My friend and I return to town night-express," said Holmes " charming little breath of your beautiful Dartmoor air "

The Inspector opened his eyes, Colonel's lip curled in sneer

"So you despair of arresting the murderer of poor Straker," said he

Holmes shrugged his shoulders " certainly grave difficulties way," said he " every hope, however, that your horse will start upon Tuesday, and I beg that your jockey in readiness Might I ask for photograph of Mr John Straker ? "

The Inspector took one from an envelope and handed it to him

"My dear Gregory, you anticipate all my wants If to wait here for an instant, question which like maid "

" say that rather disappointed London consultant," said Colonel Ross, bluntly, as my friend left the room " that any further than when "

" his assurance that your horse will run," said I

"Yes, his assurance," said the Colonel, with shrug shoulders " prefer the horse "

about some reply in defence friend when he entered the room again

"Now, gentlemen," said he, " quite ready for Tavistock "

stepped carriage stable-lads held the door open sudden idea seemed to occur to Holmes, for he leaned forward and touched the lad sleeve

" few sheep paddock," "Who attends ? "

" , sir "

" noticed anything amiss of late ? "

"Well, sir, not of much account; but three lame, sir "

I that Holmes was extremely pleased, for he chuckled and rubbed his hands together

"A long shot, Watson; very long shot," said he, pinching my arm "Gregory, let me recommend to your attention this singular epidemic sheep Drive on, coachman ! "

Colonel Ross still wore an expression which showed the poor opinion which he had formed companion's ability, but Inspector's face that his attention keenly aroused

"You consider that important ? " he asked

"Exceedingly so "

" any point wish to draw my attention ? "

" curious incident dog night-time "

"The dog did nothing night-time "

"That curious incident," remarked Sherlock Holmes

Four days later Holmes and I were again train, bound for Winchester the race Wessex Cup Colonel Ross met us by appointment outside the station, and we drove drag course beyond the town His face was grave, manner was cold extreme " nothing horse," said he

"I suppose that know him saw him ? " asked Holmes

The Colonel was very angry " turf for twenty years, and never was asked such question before," said he "A child would know Silver Blaze, white forehead mottled off-foreleg "

"How betting ? "

"Well, curious part of it got fifteen to one yesterday, but the price has become shorter and shorter, until hardly get three to one now "

"Hum ! " said Holmes "Somebody knows something, clear "

drag drew up enclosure near the grand stand I glanced card the entries

Wessex Plate [it ran] 50 sovs each h ft with 1000 sovs added for four and five year olds Second, 300 Third, 200 New course (one mile and five furlongs) Mr Heath Newton's The Negro Red cap Cinnamon jacket Colonel Wardlaw's Pugilist Pink cap Blue and black jacket Lord Backwater's Desborough Yellow cap and sleeves Colonel Ross's Silver Blaze Black cap Red jacket Duke of Balmoral's Iris Yellow and black stripes Lord Singleford's Rasper Purple cap Black sleeves

"We scratched our other one, and put all hopes word," said the Colonel "Why, what ? Silver Blaze favourite ? "

"Five to four against Silver Blaze ! " roared the ring "Five to four against Silver Blaze ! Five to fifteen against Desborough ! Five to four field ! "

" the numbers up," I cried " all six there "

"All six there ? Then my horse is running," cried the Colonel in great agitation "But I don't see him My colours passed "

"Only five have passed This he "

As I spoke powerful bay horse swept out weighting enclosure and cantered past us, bearing back the well-known black and red Colonel

"That's not my horse," cried the owner "That beast white hair upon its body What that you , Mr Holmes ? "

"Well, well, how he gets on," said my friend, imperturbably he gazed through my field-glass "Capital ! An excellent start ! " he cried suddenly "There , coming round the curve ! "

drag we had superb view came up the straight The six horses were so close together that carpet covered them, but half way up the yellow Mapleton stable showed front reached us, however, Desborough's bolt was shot, Colonel's horse, coming away with rush, passed the post good six lengths before its rival, the Duke of Balmoral's Iris making bad third

"It's my race, anyhow," gasped the Colonel, passing his hand over his eyes "I confess that make neither head nor tail of it Don't that kept up your mystery long enough, Mr Holmes ? "