by Arthur Conan Doyle

Somewhere vaults bank of Cox and Co , at Charing Cross, travel-worn and battered tin dispatchbox with my name, John H Watson, M D , Late Indian Army, painted lid crammed with papers, nearly all are records of cases to illustrate the curious problems which Mr Sherlock Holmes had at various times to examine Some, and not the least interesting, were complete failures, and as such will hardly bear narrating, since no final explanation is forthcoming problem without solution may interest the student, but can hardly fail to annoy the casual reader unfinished tales of Mr James Phillimore, who, stepping back into his own house his umbrella, was never more seen world No less remarkable cutter Alicia, which sailed one spring morning into small patch of mist from where she never again emerged, nor was anything further ever heard of herself and her crew third case worthy of note of Isadora Persano, the well-known journalist and duellist, who was found stark staring mad with match box in front of him which contained remarkable worm said unknown to science Apart unfathomed cases, some which involve the secrets of private families to an extent which would mean consternation in many exalted quarters were thought possible that find their way into print not say that such breach of confidence is unthinkable, and records separated and destroyed now that my friend has time his energies matter There remain considerable residue of cases of greater or less interest which edited before had I not feared the public surfeit which might react reputation man whom above all others I revere In some myself concerned and can speak as an eye-witness, while in others either not present or played so small part that only be told as by third person The following narrative is drawn from my own experience

wild morning in October, and I observed as dressing how the last remaining leaves were being whirled solitary plane tree which graces the yard behind our house I descended to breakfast prepared my companion in depressed spirits, for, like all great artists, easily impressed by his surroundings contrary, that he had nearly finished his meal, his mood was particularly bright and joyous, somewhat sinister cheerfulness characteristic lighter moments

" case, Holmes ? " I remarked

"The faculty of deduction is certainly contagious, Watson," he answered "It has enabled you to probe my secret Yes, case After month of trivialities and stagnation the wheels move once more "

"Might I share it ? "

" little to share, but discuss it have consumed the two hard-boiled eggs our new cook has favoured us Their condition may not be unconnected copy Family Herald which I observed yesterday hall-table Even so trivial matter as cooking an egg demands an attention conscious passage and incompatible love romance excellent periodical "

quarter of an hour later the table cleared and we were He had drawn letter pocket

" heard of Neil Gibson, the Gold King ? "

"You mean the American Senator ? "

"Well, once Senator for some Western state, but is better known greatest gold-mining magnate "

"Yes, of him He has surely lived in England for His name is very familiar "

"Yes, he bought considerable estate in Hampshire some five Possibly already heard tragic end wife ? "

" I remember it now why the name is familiar But I really know nothing details "

Holmes waved his hand towards some papers on chair "I had no idea case was coming my way or had my extracts ready," said he "The fact is problem, though exceedingly sensational, appeared no difficulty The interesting personality accused obscure the clearness evidence That view taken coroner's jury and also police-court proceedings now referred Assizes at Winchester thankless business discover facts, Watson, but change them Unless some entirely new and unexpected ones come to light what my client can hope for "

"Your client ? "

"Ah, I forgot I told you getting into your involved habit, Watson, of telling story backward You had best read this first "

The letter which he handed , written in bold, masterful hand, ran as follows:

CLARIDGE'S HOTEL, October 3rd SHERLOCK HOLMES: 't see the best woman God ever made go to her death without doing all possible to save her 't explain things -- 't even try to explain them, but beyond all doubt that Miss Dunbar is innocent the facts -- who doesn't ? the gossip country And never voice raised for her ! It's the damned injustice of it all that makes me crazy That woman has heart that wouldn't let her kill fly Well, I'll come at eleven to-morrow if some ray of light dark Maybe clue and don't know it Anyhow, all and all and all are for your use if only save her If ever in your life you showed your powers, put them now case Yours faithfully, J NEIL GIBSON

"There it," said Sherlock Holmes, knocking out the ashes after-breakfast pipe and slowly refilling it " gentleman I await story, hardly time to master all these papers, so give it in nutshell an intelligent interest proceedings This man greatest financial power , and man, as I understand, of most violent and formidable character He married wife, the victim tragedy, of whom nothing save that she was past her prime, the more unfortunate as very attractive governess superintended the education of two young children These are the three people concerned, scene is grand old manor house, the centre of historical English state Then tragedy The wife was found grounds nearly half mile house, late at night, clad in her dinner dress, with shawl over her shoulders and revolver bullet through her brain No weapon was found near her and no local clue murder No weapon near her, Watson -- mark that ! The crime seems committed late evening, body was found by gamekeeper about eleven o'clock, when examined police and by doctor before being carried house too condensed, or follow it clearly ? "

" all very clear But why suspect the governess ? "

"Well, first place some very direct evidence revolver with one discharged chamber and calibre which corresponded bullet was found floor of her wardrobe " His eyes fixed and he repeated in broken words, "On -- the -- floor -- of -- her -- wardrobe " Then he sank into silence, and that some train of thought set moving which foolish to interrupt Suddenly with start he emerged into brisk life once more "Yes, Watson, found Pretty damning, eh ? So the two juries thought Then the dead woman had note upon her making an appointment very place and signed governess How's that ? Finally the motive Senator Gibson is an attractive person If his wife dies, who more likely to succeed her young lady who had already by all accounts received pressing attentions from her employer ? Love, fortune, power, all depending upon one middleaged life Ugly, Watson -- very ugly ! "

"Yes, indeed, Holmes "

"Nor could she prove an alibi contrary, she had to admit that she was down near Thor Bridge -- that scene tragedy -- hour She couldn't deny it, for some passing villager had seen her there "

"That really seems final "

"And yet, Watson -- and yet ! This bridge -- single broad span of stone with balustraded sides -- carries the drive over the narrowest part of long, deep, reed-girt sheet of water Thor Mere called mouth bridge lay the dead woman Such are the main facts But here, if I mistake not, is our client, considerably before his time "

Billy had opened the door, but the name which he announced was an unexpected one Mr Marlow Bates was stranger to both of us thin, nervous wisp of man with frightened eyes and twitching, hesitating manner -- man whom my own professional eye would judge brink of an absolute nervous breakdown