" never ," I answered; " brought detection as near an exact science as it ever brought world "

My companion flushed up with pleasure at my words, earnest way I uttered them I had already observed that as sensitive to flattery score art as any girl of her beauty

"I'll tell you one other thing," "Patent leathers {10} and Square-toes came same cab, walked down the pathway together as friendly as possible -- arm-in-arm, in all probability got inside they walked up and down the room -- or rather, Patent-leathers stood still while Square-toes walked up and down read all that dust; and read that as he walked he grew more and more excited shown increased length strides talking all the while, and working himself up, , into fury Then the tragedy occurred I've told you all myself now, rest is mere surmise and conjecture good working basis, however, to start hurry up, for to Halle's concert to hear Norman Neruda this afternoon "

This conversation had occurred while our cab threading its way through long succession of dingy streets and dreary by-ways dingiest and dreariest our driver suddenly came to stand "That's Audley Court in there," , pointing to narrow slit line of dead-coloured brick "You'll find me here come back "

Audley Court was not an attractive locality The narrow passage led us into quadrangle paved with flags and lined by sordid dwellings We picked our way among groups of dirty children, and through lines of discoloured linen, until we came to Number 46, the door of decorated with small slip of brass the name Rance was engraved On enquiry constable was in bed, and we were shown into little front parlour to await his coming

He appeared presently, looking little irritable at being disturbed slumbers " my report office,"

Holmes took half-sovereign pocket and played with it pensively "We thought that like to hear it all from your own lips,"

" most happy you anything ," the constable answered eyes little golden disk

"Just hear it all in your own way as it occurred "

Rance sat down horsehair sofa, and knitted his brows determined not to omit anything narrative

"I'll tell it ye beginning," " is from ten at night to six morning At eleven fight `White Hart'; but bar that all was quiet enough beat At one o'clock it began to rain, and I met Harry Murcher -- him who Holland Grove beat -- and we stood together corner of Henrietta Street a-talkin' Presently -- maybe about two or little after -- take look round that all was right down the Brixton Road precious dirty and lonely Not soul did I meet all the way down, though cab or two went past me strollin' down, thinkin' between ourselves how uncommon handy four of gin hot , when suddenly the glint of light caught my eye window same house Now, that them two houses in Lauriston Gardens was empty on account of him that owns them who won't have the drains seed to, though the very last tenant what lived in died o' typhoid fever knocked all in heap therefore at seeing light window, and I suspected as something was wrong When I got door ----"

"You stopped, and then walked back garden gate," my companion interrupted "What did you for ? "

Rance gave violent jump, and stared at Sherlock Holmes utmost amazement upon his features

"Why, that's true, sir," ; "though how you come it, Heaven only knows Ye see, when I got door so still and so lonesome, that I'd be none the worse for some one with me I ain't afeared of anything side o' the grave; but that maybe him that died o' the typhoid inspecting the drains what killed him The thought kind o' turn, and I walked back gate if I Murcher's lantern, but there wasn't no sign of him nor of anyone else "

" no one street ? "

"Not livin' soul, sir, nor as dog Then I pulled myself together and went back and pushed the door open All was quiet inside, so I went room where the light was a-burnin' candle flickerin' mantelpiece -- red wax one -- and by its light ----"

"Yes, all that you saw You walked round the room , and you knelt down body, and then you walked through and tried the kitchen door, and then ----"

John Rance sprang feet with frightened face and suspicion eyes "Where was you hid all that ? " he cried "It seems that you knows deal more than "

Holmes laughed and threw his card across the table constable "Don't get arresting me murder," " hounds and not the wolf; Mr Gregson or Mr Lestrade will answer Go on, though What did next ? "

Rance resumed his seat, without however losing his mystified expression "I went back gate and sounded my whistle That brought Murcher and two more spot "

" street empty then ? "

"Well, , as far as anybody that of any good goes "

"What ? "

The constable's features broadened into grin "I've seen many drunk chap in ," , "but never anyone so cryin' drunk cove gate when out, a-leanin' up agin the railings, and a-singin' pitch o' his lungs about Columbine's New-fangled Banner, or some such stuff He couldn't stand, far less help "

"What sort of man was he ? " asked Sherlock Holmes

John Rance appeared somewhat irritated digression " an uncommon drunk sort o' man," "He'd ha' found hisself station hadn't been so took up "

"His face -- his dress -- didn't you notice them ? " Holmes broke in impatiently

" think notice them, seeing that I had to prop him up -- me and Murcher long chap, with red face, the lower part muffled round ----"

" do," cried Holmes "What became of him ? "

"We'd enough without lookin' after him," the policeman said, in an aggrieved voice "I'll wager his way home all right "

"How was he dressed ? "

"A brown overcoat "

"Had he whip hand ? "

"A whip -- no "

" left it behind," muttered my companion "You didn't happen or hear cab ? "

"No "

"There's half-sovereign ," my companion said, standing up and taking his hat " afraid, Rance, that never rise force That head of yours for use as ornament You gained your sergeant's stripes last night The man whom you held in your hands man who holds the clue mystery, and whom seeking no use of arguing now; I tell you so Come along, Doctor "