Adventure 13 of the return of Sherlock Holmes by Sir, Arthur
Conan Doyle. This LibriVox recording is in
the public domain. Adventure 13, The Adventure of
the second stain. I had intended the adventure of
the Abbey. Grange to be the last of those
exploits of my friend, mr. Sherlock Holmes, which I should
ever communicate to the public. This resolution of mine, was not
due to any lack of material since I have notes of many,
hundreds of cases, to which I have never alluded, nor was it
caused by any waning interest on the part of my readers, in the
singular personality and unique methods of this remarkable, man.
The real reason lay in the reluctance, which mr.
Holmes has shown to the continued publication of his
experiences. So long as he was in actual
professional practice the records of his successes were of
some practical value to him, but since he has definitely retired
from London and betaken himself to study and be farming.
On the Sussex Downs, notoriety has become hateful to him, and
he has peremptorily requested that his wishes in this matter.
Should be strictly observed. It was only upon my representing
to him. That I had given a promise that
the adventure of the second stain should be published when
the times were ripe. And pointing out to him, that it
is only appropriate that this long series of episodes should
culminate in the most important International case, which he has
ever been called upon to handle. But I at last succeeded in
obtaining, his consent that a carefully guarded account of the
incident should at last be laid before the public, if in telling
the story. I seem to be somewhat vague in
certain details. The public will readily
understand that there is an excellent reason for my
reticence. It was then in a year and even
in a decade that shall be nameless that upon one Tuesday
Morning, in Autumn, we found two visitors of European Fame within
the walls of our Humble Home in Baker.
Street, the one or steer high-nosed eagle-eyed and
dominant was none other than the illustrious Lord Bellinger twice
premiere of Britain, the other dark clear-cut, and elegant,
hardly yet of middle-aged and endowed with every Of body.
And of Mind was the right honourable trelawney, hope
secretary for European Affairs and the most Rising Statesmen in
the country. They sat side by side upon our
paper, littered City and it was easy to see from their worn and
anxious faces that it was business of the most pressing
importance, which had brought them, the premier's thin
blue-veined. Hands were clasped tightly over
the ivory head of his umbrella and his gaunt a seat Face looked
gloomily from homes to me, the European secretary pulled
nervously at his mustache and fidgeted with the seals of his
watch chain. When I discovered my loss.
Mr. Holmes, which was at 8:00 this morning, I had once
informed, the Prime Minister. It was a his suggestion that we
have both come to you have you informed the police?
No sir said the Prime Minister, which the quick decisive manner
for which he was famous. We have not done, so nor is it
possible that we should do? So to inform the police must in
the long-run mean to inform the public?
This is what we particularly desire to avoid.
And why sir? Because the document in question
is of such immense importance that its publication might very
easily. I might almost say probably lead
to European complications of the utmost moment.
It is not too much to say that peace or War, may hang upon the
issue. Unless it's recovery, can be
attended with the up those sixy cracy.
Then it may as well not be recovered at all.
For all that is aimed at by those who have taken it.
It is that its contents should be generally known.
I understand now, mr. Trelawney hope I should be much
obliged. If you would tell me exactly,
the circumstances under which this document disappeared,
that's can be done in a very few words.
Mr. Holmes, the letter for it was a letter from a foreign
potentate was received. Six days ago, it was a such
importance that I've never left it in my safe, but have taken it
across each evening to my house in Whitehall Terrace and kept it
in my bedroom in a lock. Despatch box.
It was there last night of that. I am certain, I actually open
the box while I was dressing for dinner and saw the document
inside this morning. It was gone.
The dispatch box had Stood Beside the glass upon my
dressing table all night. I'm a light sleeper and so is my
wife, we're both prepared to swear that.
No one could have entered the room during the night.
And yet I repeat that the paper is gone.
What time did you dine 7:30, how long was it before you went to
bed, my wife had gone to the theater.
I waited up for her, it was 11:30 before we went to our
room. Then for four hours, the
despatch-box had Lain unguarded, no one is ever permitted to
enter that room. Save the housemaid in the
morning and my valet or my wife's made during the rest of
the day. They are both trusty servants
who have been with us for some time.
Besides neither of them could possibly have known that.
There was anything more valuable than the ordinary departmental
papers in my despatch box. Who did know the existence of
that letter? No one in the house surely your
wife knew no sir. I had said nothing to my wife
until I missed the paper this morning.
The premier nodded approvingly. I have long known sir.
How high is your sense of public duty said he I am convinced that
in the case of a secret of this importance it would rise
superior to the most intimate domestic ties the European
secretary bowed. You do me no more than Justice
sir. Until this morning I have never
breathed one word to my wife upon this matter.
Could she have guessed? No, mr.
Holmes. She could not have guessed nor
could anyone have guessed. Have you lost any documents
before? No sir.
Who is there in England? Who did know of the existence of
this letter? Each member of the cabinet was
informed of it yesterday. But the pledge of secrecy which
attends every cabinet meeting was increased by the solemn
warning, which was given by the Prime Minister.
Good Heavens to think that within a few hours.
I should myself of lost it. His handsome face was distorted
with a spasm of Despair and His Hands tore at his hair for a
moment. We caught a glimpse of the
natural man. Impulsive Ardent, keenly
sensitive. The next, the aristocratic mask
was replaced and the gentle voice had returned.
Besides the members of the cabinet.
There are two or possibly three departmental officials who know
of the letter. No one else in England, mr.
Holmes, I assure you But abroad, I believe that no one abroad has
seen it saves a man who wrote it.
I am well, convinced that his ministers, that the usual
official channels have not been employed.
Holmes considered for some little time now, sir, I must ask
him or particularly what this document is and why its
disappearance should have such momentous consequences.
The to Statesmen exchanged, a quick glance and the premier.
His Shaggy eyebrows gathered in a frown mr.
Holmes, the envelope is a long thin, one of pale blue color.
There is a seal of red wax. Stamped with a crouching lion is
addressed in large bold handwriting to I fear, sir said
Holmes, but interesting and indeed, essential as these
details are my inquiries, must go more to the root of things.
What? Was the letter, that is a state
secret of the utmost importance. And I fear that I cannot tell
you, nor do I see that it is necessary.
If, by the aid of the powers, which you are said to possess,
you can find such an envelope. As I described with its
enclosure, you will have deserved well of your country
and earned any reward, which it lies in our power to bestow.
Sherlock Holmes, rose with a smile.
You are two of the most busy men in the country.
Said he and in my own small way. I have also, a good many calls
upon me. I regret exceedingly that I
cannot help you in this matter and any continuation of this
interview would be a waste of time.
The premier sprang to his feet with that quick Fierce gleam of
his deep-set eyes before, which a cabinet has coward.
Well, I'm not a custom sir. He began but mastered his anger
and resumed his seat for a minute or more.
We all sat in silence and the old Statesman Shrugged.
His shoulders we must accept your terms, mr.
Holmes. No doubt you are right and it is
unreasonable for us to expect you to act unless we give you
your entire confidence. I agree with you said the
youngest Statesman, then I will tell you relying entirely upon
your honor and that of your colleague.
Dr. Watson, I may appeal to your patriotism also for I could not
imagine a greater Misfortune for the country than that.
This affair should come out. You may safely trust us.
The letter then is from a certain foreign potentate who
has been ruffled by some recent, Colonial developments of this
country, it has been written hurriedly and upon his own
responsibility entirely. Inquiries have shown that his
ministers, know nothing of the matter.
At the same time, it is couched in, so unfortunate a manner and
certain phrase it in it or of. So provocative a character that
its publication would undoubtedly lead to a most
dangerous. This state of feeling in this
country, there would be such a firm answer that I do not
hesitate to say that within a week of the publication of that
letter, this country would be involved in a great War.
Holmes, wrote a name upon a slip of paper and handed it to the
premiere. Exactly.
It was he and it is this letter this letter, which may well mean
the expenditure of a thousand millions and the lies of 100,000
men, which has become lost in this unaccountable fashion.
Have you informed the sender? Yes sir.
A cipher telegram has been dispatched.
Perhaps he desires the publication of the letter.
No sir. We have strong reason to believe
that he already understands that he has acted in an Indiscreet
and hot-headed manner. It would be a greater blow to
him and to his country than to us if this letter were to come
out. If this is so whose interest is
it that the letter should come out?
Why should anyone desire to steal it or to publish it?
There are mr. Holmes, you take me into regions
of high International politics but if you consider the European
situation you will have no difficulty in perceiving the
motive. The whole of Europe is an armed
Camp. There is a double League which
makes a fair balance of military power.
Great Britain holds the scales if Britain were driven into war
with one Confederacy, it was sure the supremacy of the other
Confederacy whether they joined in the war or not, do you follow
Very clearly. It is then the interest of the
enemies of this potentate to secure and publish this letter.
So as to make a breach between his country and ours, yes, sir.
And to whom would this document be sent if it fell into the
hands of an enemy. To any of the great
chancelleries of Europe, which is probably speeding on its way
thither at the present, instant as fast as Steam can take it mr.
Trelawney hope dropped his head on his chest and groaned aloud,
the premiere placed his hand kindly upon his shoulder.
It is your Misfortune my dear fellow no one can blame you,
there is no precaution which you have neglected now mr.
Holmes you are in full possession of the facts.
What course do you recommend? Holmes shook his head
mournfully. You think, sir that unless this
document is recovered, there will be War.
I think it is very probable. Then sir, prepare for war.
That is a hard saying mr. Holmes.
Consider the fact sir, it is inconceivable that it was taken
after 11:30 at night since I understand that mr.
Hope and his wife were both in the room from that hour until
the loss was found out. It was taken then yesterday
evening between 7:30 and 11:30 probably near the earlier our
since whoever took it evidently knew that it was there and would
naturally secure it as early as possible.
Now sir, if a document of this importance were taken at that
hour where can it be now? No one has any reason to retain
it. It has been passed rapidly on to
those who need it. What chance have we now to
overtake? Or even to trace it.
It is beyond our reach. The Prime Minister Rose from the
city. What you say is perfectly
logical, mr. Holmes, I feel that the matter
is indeed out of our hands. Let's presume for argument's
sake, that the document was taken by the maid or by the
valet they are both old and tried servants.
I understand you to say that your room is on the second
floor, that there is no entrance from without and that from
within no one could go up. Unobserved it must then be
somebody in the house who has taken it to whom, would the
thief take it to one of several International spies and Secret
agents whose names are tolerably.
Familiar to me. There are three who may be said
to be the heads of their profession.
I will begin my research by going round and finding.
If each of them is at his post, if one is missing, especially if
he has disappeared. Since last night, we will have
some indication as to where the document has gone.
Why should he be missing as the European secretary?
He would take the letter to an embassy in London as likely as
not. I fancy not.
These agents work independently and their relations with the
embassies are often strained. The Prime Minister nodded his
acquiescence. I believe you're right to mr.
Holmes, he would take. So valuable a prize to
headquarters with his own hands. I think that your course of
action is an excellent one. Meanwhile, hope we cannot
neglect all our other duties on account of this one Misfortune.
Should there be any fresh developments?
Ants during the day, we shall communicate with you and you
will. No doubt.
Let us know the results of your own inquiries, the to Statesmen
bowed, and walked Gravely from the room.
When our illustrious visitors had departed.
Homes lit, his pipe in silence, and sat, for some time, lost in
the deepest thought, I had opened the morning paper and was
immersed in a sensational crime which had occurred in London the
night before. When my friend gave an
exclamation. Nation sprang to his feet and
laid his pipe down upon the mantelpiece.
Yes, said he, there is no better way of approaching it.
The situation is desperate, but not hopeless.
Even now if we should be sure, which of them has taken it, it
is just possible that it has not yet passed out of his hands.
After all, it is a question of money with these fellows and I
have the British treasury behind me.
If It's on the market. I'll buy it.
If it means another Penny on the income tax.
Hmm. It is inconceivable that the
fellow might hold it back to see what bids come from this side
before. He tries his luck on the other.
There are only those three capable of playing.
So Boulder game. There are oberstein La Raza are
and Eduardo Lucas. I will see each of them.
I glanced at my morning paper is that Eduardo Lucas of godolphin
Street. Yes, you will not see him, why
not? He was murdered in his house
last night. My friend is so often astonished
me in the course of our adventures but it was with a
sense of exultation that I realized how completely I had
astonished him, he stared in amazement and then snatched a
paper from my hands. This was the paragraph which I
had been engaged in Reading when he rose from his chair.
Murder in Westminster. A crime of mysterious character
was committed last night at 16, good often Street, one of the
old fashioned and secluded rows. Have 18, century houses, which
lie between the river and the, a be almost in the shadow of the
great tower of the houses of Parliament.
This small, but select Mansion has been inhabited for some
years by mr. Eduardo Lucas, well, known in
society circles, both on account of his Charming personality.
And because he has the Well, deserved reputation of being one
of the best amateur tennis in the country.
Mr. Lucas is an unmarried man. 34 years of age and his
establishment consists of mrs. Pringle and elderly housekeeper.
And of Mitten his valet, the former retires, early and sleeps
at the top of the house, the valet was out for the evening.
Visiting a friend at, Hammersmith from 10:00 on word,
mr. Lucas had the house to himself.
What occurred during that time, has not yet transpired, but at
11:45 police Constable Barrett passing along the Dolphin Street
observed that the door of number 16 was ajar he knocked but
received no answer, perceiving a light in the front room, he
Advanced into the passage and again knocked but without reply
he then pushed open the door and entered.
The room was in a state of wild disorder the furniture being All
swept to one side and one chair lying on its back in the center.
Beside this chair. I'm still grasping one of its
legs. Lay the unfortunate tenant of
the house. He had been stabbed to the
heart. I must have died.
Instantly the knife with which the crime had been committed,
was a curved Indian dagger plucked down from a trophy of
Oriental arms, which adorned, one of the walls robbery does
not appear to have, been the motive of the crime for there.
Had been no attempt to remove the valve.
Valuable contents of the room, mr.
Eduardo Lucas was so well-known and popular.
That is violent. And mysterious fate will arouse
painful interest and intense sympathy in a widespread Circle
of Friends. Well Watson.
What do you make of this last homes after a long?
Pause. It is an amazing coincidence.
Coincidence. Here is one of the three men
whom we had named as possible actors in this drama and he
meets a violent death during the very hours when we know that the
drama was being enacted, the odds are enormous against it.
Being coincidence. No figures.
Could express them. No, my dear Watson, the two
events are connected. Must be connected.
It is for us to find the connection.
But now, the official police must know, all not at all.
They know all they see at godolphin Street.
They know, and shall know nothing of Whitehall Terrace,
Only. We Know of both events and can
trace. The relation between them, there
is one obvious point which would in any case of turned, my
suspicions against Lucas Good often Street.
Westminster is only a few minutes.
Walk from Whitehall Terrace. The other secret agents whom I
have named live in the extreme West End, it was easier
therefore for Lucas than for the others to establish a connection
or receive a message from the European secretaries household.
A small thing and yet where events are compressed into a few
hours, it may prove essential. Hello, what have we here?
Mrs. Hudson at appeared with a lady's card upon her Salva
Holmes, glanced at it, raised his eyebrows and handed it over
to me. ask lady Hilda trelawney hope if she will be kind enough
to step up said he A moment later our modest apartment
already. So distinguished that morning,
was further honoured by the entrance of the most lovely
woman in London. I had often heard of the beauty
of the youngest daughter of the Duke of belminster, but no
description of it and no contemplation of colorless.
Photographs had prepared me for the subtle delicate charm and
the Beautiful coloring of that Exquisite head.
And yet, as we saw it that Autumn morning, it was not its
beauty, which would be the first thing to impress, The Observer,
the cheek was lovely, but it was paled with emotion, the eyes
were bright, but it was the brightness of fever.
The sensitive mouth was tight and drawn in an effort after
self-command Terror. Not Beauty was what sprang first
to the eye, as our Fair visitor, stood framed for an instant in
the open door. Or.
Has my husband been here. Mr. Holmes.
Yes. Madam he has been here, mr.
Holmes, I implore you not to tell him that I came here.
Homes, bowed coldly and motion. The lady to a chair. your
ladyship places me in a very delicate position, I beg that
you will sit down and tell me what you desire but I fear that
I cannot make any unconditional promise She swept across the
room and seated herself with her back to the window.
It was a queenly, presence tall, graceful and intensely womanly
mr. Holmes, she said and her white
gloved hands clasped and unclasped as she spoke I will
speak frankly to you in the hopes that it may induce you to
speak. Frankly in return, there is
complete confidence between my husband and me on all matters.
Save one that one is The ticks on this, his lips are sealed.
He tells me nothing. Now I am aware that there was a
most deplorable occurrence in our house.
Last night. I know that a paper has
disappeared but because the matter is political, my husband
refuses to take me into his complete confidence.
Now, it is essential essential, I say that I should thoroughly
understand it. You are the only other person
save only these politicians, who knows the truth.
Facts. I beg you then, mr.
Holmes to tell me exactly what has happened and what it will
lead to tell me all mr. Holmes, let no regard for your
clients, interests. Keep you silent for I assure you
that his interests. If he would only see, it would
be best served by taking me into his complete confidence.
What was this paper? Which was stolen?
Madam, what you asked me is really impossible.
She groaned and sank her face in her hands.
You must see that. It is so Madam.
If your husband thinks fit to keep you in the dark over this
matter is it for me who has only learned the true facts under the
pledge of professional secrecy to tell what he has withheld.
It is not fair to ask it, it is him.
You must ask. I have asked him.
I came to you. The last resource, but without
you you're telling me anything definite, mr.
Holmes, you may do a great service.
If you would enlighten me on one point, what is it?
Madam is my husband's political career likely to suffer through
this incident. Well, Madame, unless it is set
right, it may certainly have a very unfortunate effect.
Oh, she drew in her breath sharply as one whose doubts are
resolved. One more question, mr.
Holmes from an expression, which my husband dropped in.
The first shock of This Disaster, I understood that
terrible public consequences might arise from the loss of
this document. If he said so I certainly cannot
deny it of what nature are they named?
Adam there again you ask me more than I can possibly answer.
Then I will take up no more of your time.
I cannot blame you mr. Holmes for having refused to
speak more freely and you on your side will not, I am sure
think the worse of me because I desire even against his will to
share my husband's anxieties. Once more, I beg that you will
say Nothing of my visit, she looked back at us from the door
and I had a last impression of that beautiful haunted face.
The startled eyes and the drawn mouth.
Then she was gone. Now Watson, the fair sex is your
department said, Holmes with a smile, when the dwindling
frou-frou of skirts had ended in the slam of the front door.
What was the Fair ladies game? What did she really want?
Surely her own statement is clear and her anxiety, very
natural. Hmm, think of her appearance,
Watson her manner, her suppressed excitement her
restlessness her tenacity in asking questions, remember that
she comes of a caste who do not likely show emotion.
She was certainly much moved. Remember also the Curious
earnestness with which she assured us that it was the best
for her husband that she should know.
All. What did she mean by that and
you must have observed Watson. How she maneuvered to have the
light at her back. She did not wish us to read her
expression. Yes.
She chose the one chair in the room and yet the motives of
women are so inscrutable, you remember the woman at Margate
whom? I suspected for the same reason,
no powder on her nose that proved to be the correct
solution. How can you build on such a
quicksand? The most trivial action May mean
volumes, or their most extraordinary conduct may depend
upon a hairpin or a curling tongs.
Good morning. Watson, you are off.
Yes, I will while away the morning, it took a dolphin
street with our friends of the regular establishment with
Eduardo, Lucas lies, the solution of our problem, though,
I must admit that I have not an inkling.
As to what form, it may take, it is a capital mistake to theorize
in advance of the The facts. Do you?
Stay on guard? My good Watson and receive any
fresh visitors. I'll join you at lunch.
If I am able All that day and the next.
And the next Holmes was in a mood, which his friends would
call taciturn and others morose. He ran out and ran in smoked
incessantly played snatches on his violin sank into reveries
devoured. Sandwiches, at irregular hours
and hardly answered, the Casual questions, which I put to him.
It was evident to me that things were not going well with him or
his quest. He would say, nothing of the
case, and it was from the papers that I learned the particulars
of the inquest and the arrest with the subsequent release of
John mitton. The valet of the deceased, the
coroner's jury brought in the obvious, willful murder at the
parties remained as unknown as ever.
No motive was suggested, the room was full of Articles of
value but none had been taken the Dead Man's papers had not
been tampered with, they were carefully examined and Oh, that
he was a keen student of international politics.
An indefatigable gossip a remarkable linguist and an
untiring letter writer. He had been on intimate terms
with the leading politicians of several countries, but nothing
Sensational was discovered among the documents which filled his
drawers as to his relations with women.
They appear to have been promiscuous, but superficial he
had many acquaintances among them but few friends and no one
whom he loved his habit. It's were regular his conduct
inoffensive, his death was an absolute mystery and likely to
remain. So As to the arrest of John
mitton the valet. It was a counsel of Despair as
an alternative to Absolute in action, but no case could be
sustained against him. He had visited friends in
Hammersmith that night. The Alibi was complete.
It is true that he started home at an hour, which would have
brought him to Westminster before the time when the crime
was discovered. But his own explanation that he
had walked part of the way seemed probably enough in view
of the finest of the night. He had actually arrived at 12:00
and appeared to be overwhelmed by the unexpected tragedy.
He had always been on good terms with his master.
Several of the Dead Man's possessions notably a small case
of razors had been found in the valets boxes but he explained
that they had been presence from the deceased and the housekeeper
was able to corroborate the story Mitten had been in Lucas's
employment for three years. It was noticeable that Lucas did
not take Mitten on the And with him, sometimes he visited Paris
for three months on end, but Mitten was left in charge of the
good often Street house. As to the housekeeper, she had
heard nothing on the night of the crime.
If her master had a visitor, he had himself admitted him.
So, for three mornings, the mystery remained so far as I
could follow it in the papers. If homes new more, he kept his
own counsel, but as he told me that inspector lestrade had
taken him into his confidence in the case, I knew that he was in
close touch with every development.
Upon the fourth day. There appeared a Long Telegram
from Paris which seemed to solve the whole question.
A discovery has just been made by the Peruvian.
Police said the Daily Telegraph which raises the veil, which
hung around the tragic fate of mr.
Eduardo Lucas who met his death by violence last Monday night at
godolphin. Street Westminster our readers
will remember that. The deceased gentleman was found
stabbed in his room and that some suspicion attached to his
valet. At that the case broke down on
an alibi. Yesterday, a lady who's been
known as Madame on Grief. On a occupying, a small Villa,
in the route, austerlitz was reported to the authorities by
her servants as being insane. An examination showed.
She had indeed developed Mania of a dangerous and permanent
form on inquiry. The police have discovered that
Madam own grief on a only returned from a journey to
London on Tuesday last. And there is evidence to connect
her with the crime at Westminster.
A comparison of photographs has proved conclusively that miss
you already fell down a and Eduardo Lucas were really one
and the same person and that the deceased had for some reason
lived a double life in London and Paris, Madam Foreman a who
is of Creole origin is of an extremely excitable nature and
has suffered in the past from a tax of jealousy which have
amounted to frenzy. It is conjectured that it was in
one of these that she committed. Add the terrible crimes which
has caused such a sensation in London, her movements upon the
Monday night of not. Yet been traced, but it is
undoubted that a woman answering to her description attracted
much attention at Charing Cross station on Tuesday Morning by
the wildness of her appearance and the violence of her
gestures. It is probable, therefore, that
the crime was either committed when insane or that its
immediate effect was to drive the unhappy woman out of her
mind. At present she is unable to give
any coherent account of the past and the doctors hold out no
hopes of the re-establishment of her reason.
There is evidence that a woman who might have been mad
involuntary was seen for some hours upon Monday night watching
the house in Good Ole fin Street.
What do you think of that homes? I'd read the account allowed to
him while he finished his breakfast.
My dear Watson said, he as he rose from the table and paced up
and down the room, you are most long-suffering, but if I have
told you nothing in the last three days, it is because there
is nothing to tell. Even now, this report from
Paris, does not help us much. Surely it is final as regards,
the man's death. The man's death is a mere
incident. A trivial episode in comparison,
with our real task, which is to trace this document and save a
European catastrophe. Only one important thing has
happened in the last three days. And that is that nothing has
happened. I get reports almost hourly from
the government, and it is certain that nowhere in Europe.
Is there any sign of trouble? Now, if this letter were loose,
no, it can't be losing. Loose.
But if it isn't loose, where can it be?
Who has it? Why is it held back?
That's the question that beats in my brain like a hammer.
Was it indeed a coincidence that Lucas should meet his death on
the night. When the letter disappeared did
the letter ever reach him? If so, why is it not among his
papers did this? Mad wife of his carry it off
with her if so is it in her house in How could I search for
it without the French police? Having their suspicions aroused.
It is a case. My dear Watson where the law is
as dangerous to us as the criminals are, every man's hand
is against us. And yet, the interests at stake
are colossal, should I bring it to a successful conclusion?
It will certainly represent the crowning Glory of my career.
Ah, here is my latest from the front.
He glanced hurriedly at the note which had been handed in.
Hello, the strad seems to have observed, something of Interest
put on your hat Watson. And we will stroll down together
to Westminster. It was my first visit to the
scene of the crime, a high dingy narrow, chested house, Prim
formal, and solid like the century, which gave it birth.
The strods Bulldog features gazed out at us from the front
window and he greeted us warmly when a big Constable had opened
the door and let us in the room into which we were shown.
Was that in which the crime had been committed but no trace of
it. Now, remained save an ugly
irregular stain upon the carpet. This carpet was a small square
drugget in the center of the room surrounded by a broad
expanse of beautiful, old-fashioned wood, flooring in
square blocks, highly polished over.
The fireplace, was a magnificent trophy of weapons, one of which
have been used on that tragic night.
In the window was a Sumptuous writing desk, and every detail
of the apartment, the pictures, the rugs and the hangings all
pointed to a taste which was luxurious to the verge of
effeminacy. Seeing The Paris News asked
lestrade Holmes, nodded our French friends seem to have
touched a spot this time. Now, that is just as I say she
knocked at the door surprise, visit our guess for he kept his
life in watertight compartments. He let her in couldn't keep her
in the street. She told him how she had traced
him reproached him. One thing led to another and
then with that dagger so handy the end soon.
Came it wasn't all done in an instant.
So for these chairs were all swept Over Yonder.
And he had one in his hand, as if he tried to hold her off with
it. We've got it all clear.
As if we can see it, Holmes raised his eyebrows.
And yet you have sent for me. Oh yes, that's another man, a
mere trifle, but the sort of thing you take an interest in
queer. You know what you might call
freakish, it's nothing to do with the main fact can't have on
the face of it. What is it then?
Well you know after a crime of this sort were very careful to
keep things in their position. Nothing's been moved officer in
charge here day and night this morning.
As the man was buried. And the investigation over as
far as this room is concerned, we thought we could tidy up a
bit, this carpet. You see, it's not fastened down
and he just laid there, we'd occasion to raise it.
We found, yes, you found Holmes's face grew tense with
anxiety. Well, I'm sure you'd never guess
in undred years. What we did find you see that
stain on that carpet. Well a great deal must have
soaked through. Must it.
Not. Undoubtedly, it must well,
you'll be surprised to hear that.
There's no stain on the white woodwork to correspond.
No stain but there must. Yeah.
So you'd say but the fact remains that, the reason he took
the corner of the carpet in his hand and turning it over, he
showed that it was indeed as he said, but the underside is a
stained as the upper it must have left a mark.
Lestrade chuckled with delight at having puzzled the famous
expert. Now I'll show you the
explanation, there is a second stain but it does not correspond
with the other. See for yourself as he spoke, he
turned over another portion of the carpet and there.
Sure enough was a great Crimson spill upon the square white
facing of the old-fashioned floor.
Or do you make it that mr. Holmes.
Why it is simple enough just to stains did correspond but the
carpet has been turned round as it was square and unfastened it
was easily done. The official police don't need
you mr. Holmes to tell them that the
carpet must have been turned round.
That's clear enough for the stains lie above each other.
If you lay over this way, but one I want to know is who
shifted the carpet? And why I could see from homes
is rigid face, that he was vibrating with inward
excitement, Look here lestrade said he has that constable in
the passage been in the charge of the place all the time.
Yes, yes. Well, take my advice, examine
him carefully. Don't do it before us will.
Wait here, you take him into the back room.
You'll be more likely to get a confession out of him alone, ask
him how he dared to admit people and leave them alone in this
room. Don't ask him if he's done it,
take it for granted, tell him, you know, someone has been here.
Press him. Tell him that a full confession
is his only chance of forgiveness, do exactly what I
tell you. By George.
If he knows, I love our of him cried lestrade.
He darted into the hall and a few moments later, his bullying
voice sounded from the back room.
Now Watson now cried. Holmes with frenzied eagerness,
all the demoniac will force of the man, mask behind that
listless manner burst out in a paroxysm of energy.
He toured the drug it from the floor and in an instant was down
on his hands and knees clawing at each of the squares of wood.
Beneath it one turn sideways. As he dug his nails into the
edge of it, it hinged back like the lid of a box, a small black
cavity opened beneath it Holmes plunged his eager, hand into it
and Drew it out with a bitter. Snarl of anger and
disappointment. It was empty quick Watson,
quick, get it back again. The wooden lid was replaced, and
the drug had only just been drawn straight.
When The strods Voice Was Heard in the passage, he found Holmes,
Languidly against the mantelpiece resigned and patient
endeavoring to conceal. His irrepressible yawns.
Sorry to keep you waiting. Mr. Holmes, I can see that
you're bored to death with the Olaf are.
Well he has confessed. All right, coming here
McPherson. Let these gentlemen are of your
most inexcusable conduct the big Constable very hot and penitent
sidled into the room. Almond no arm sir.
I'm sure the young woman came to the door.
Last evening mistook the house she did and then we got to
talking it's Lonesome when you're on duty.
Eight-year-old a well, what happened?
Then she wanted to see where the crime was done.
I'd read about it in the papers. She said, she's very
respectable. Well-spoken, young woman, sir,
and I saw no harm in letting her have a peep.
When she saw that Mark on the carpet down, she dropped on the
floor and lay, as if she were dead.
I ran to the back and got some water, but I couldn't bring it
to her. Then I went around the corner,
to the ivy plant for some Brandy by the time I brought it Back,
the young woman had recovered and was off.
Shame to herself. I daresay and dared not face me.
How about moving that drug it? Well, sure it was a bit rumpled.
Certainly, when I came back, you see she fell on it and it lies
on a polished floor with nothing to keep it in place.
Are strained it out afterwards. It's a lesson to you.
That you can't deceive me. Constable McPherson said
lestrade with dignity. Now doubt you thought your
breach of Duty could never be discovered and yet a mere glance
at that drug. It was enough to convince me
that someone has been admitted to the room its lucky for you.
Are you my man that nothing is missing, or you'd find yourself
in queer street, I'm sorry to have called you down over such a
petty business. Mr. Holmes, but I thought the
point of the second stain, not corresponding with the first
would interest you. Certainly it was most
interesting. Has this woman only been here
once. Constable Yasuo only once who
was she no, no the name. Sir was answering an
advertisement about typewriting and came to the wrong number.
Very pleasant. Genteel, young woman, sir tall
handsome. Yes sir.
She was a well grown young woman.
I suppose you might say she was handsome.
Perhaps some would say she was very handsome.
Oh, officer do let me have a peep.
So she she had pre coaxing ways. You might say.
And I thought there was no harm in letting her.
Just put her head through the door.
How was she dressed quiet? Sir long mantle down to her
feet. What time was it?
It was just growing dusk at the time.
They were lighting the lamps as I came back with the Brandy.
Very good said, Holmes, come Watson.
I think that we have more important work elsewhere as we
left the house lestrade remained in the front room, while the
repentant Constable opened the door to let us out Holmes,
turned on the step and held up something in his hand, the
Constable stared intently. Good Lord sir.
He cried with amazement on his face Holmes, put his fingers on
his lips, replaced, his hand in his breast pocket and burst out
laughing. As we turned down the street.
Excellent said, he come friend Watson, the curtain rings up for
the last act. You'll be relieved to hear that
there will be no war. That the right honourable
trelawney hope will suffer. No setback.
In His Brilliant, career that the Indiscreet Sovereign will
receive no Punishment for his indiscretion.
That the Prime Minister will have no European complication to
deal with and that with a little tact and management upon our
part. Nobody will be a penny the worse
for what might have been a very ugly incident.
My mind filled with admiration, for this extraordinary man,
you've solved it, I cried hardly that Watson.
There are some points which are as dark as ever, but we have so
much that it will be our own own fault.
If we cannot get the rest, we will go straight to Whitehall
Terrace and bring the matter to a head.
When we arrived at the residence of the European secretary, it
was for lady Hilda trelawney. Hope that Sherlock Holmes.
Inquired we were shown into the morning-room.
Mr. Holmes said the lady and her face was pink with her
indignation. This is surely most unfair and
ungenerous upon your part. I desired as I have explained to
keep my visit to you a secret. Lest my husband should think
that I was intruding into his Affairs and yet you compromised
me by coming here, Here. And so showing that there are
business relations between us Unfortunately, Madam I had no
possible alternative. I have been commissioned to
recover this. Immensely important paper.
I must therefore ask you madam to be kind enough to place it in
my hands. The lady sprang to her feet with
the color, all dashed in an instant from her beautiful face,
her eyes glazed. She tottered.
I thought that she would faint then, with a grand effort, she
rallied from the shock and a supreme astonishment and
indignation Aced every other expression from her features
Hugh you insult me mr. Holmes come come Madam.
It is a useless. Give up the letter, she darted
to The Bell, the butler shall show you out, do not ring lady
Hilda. If you do then, all my Earnest
efforts to avoid a scandal will be frustrated.
Give up the letter and all be set, right?
If you will work with me, I can arrange everything.
If you work against me, I'm I must expose you.
She stood grandly defiant a queenly.
Figure her eyes fixed upon his as if she would read his very
Soul. Her hand was on the Bell but she
had for born to ring it. You are trying to frighten me.
It is not a very manly things to homes to come here.
And browbeat a woman you say that, you know something, what
is it that, you know, Pray, sit down Madam, you will hurt
yourself there. If you fall, I will not speak
until you sit down. Thank you, I give you five
minutes, mr. Holmes, one is enough lady
Hilda, I know of your visit to Eduardo.
Lucas of you're giving him this document of your ingenious
returned to the room last night and of the manner in which you
took the letter from the hiding place under the carpet.
She stared at him with an ashen face and gulped twice before she
could speak. You are mad mr.
Holmes, you are mad. She cried at last, he drew a
small piece of cardboard from his pocket.
It was a face of a woman could out of a portrait.
I have carried this because I thought it might be useful, said
he, the policeman has recognized it, she gave a gasp and her head
dropped back in the chair. Come lady, Hilda, you have the
letter, the matter may still be adjusted.
I have no desire to bring trouble to you.
My duty ends when I have returned a lost letter to your
husband, take my advice and be frank with me.
It is your only chance, Her courage was admirable, even now,
she would not own defeat. I tell you again, mr.
Holmes, that you are under some absurd illusion Holmes, Rose
from his chair. I am sorry for you lady Hilda.
I have done my best for you. I can see that it is all in
vain. He rang the bell.
The butler entered is mr. Trelawney hope at home.
He will be home sir 12:45 Holmes glanced at his watch.
Still a quarter of an hour said he very good.
I shall wait the Butler. Had hardly closed the door
behind him when lady Hilda was down on her.
Knees at Holmes's feet, her hands outstretched her beautiful
face upturned and wet with her tears.
Oh, spare me mr. Holmes, spare me, she pleaded in
a frenzy of Supplication for And sake.
Don't tell him. I love him.
So I would not bring one Shadow on his life and this I know
would break his Noble. Heart.
Holmes, raised the lady. I am thankful Madam that you've
come to your senses. Even at this last moment there
is not an instant to lose. Where is the letter?
She darted across to a writing desk, unlocked it and Drew out a
long blue envelope. Here it is, mr.
Holmes, would Heaven, I had never seen it.
How can we return it Holmes, muttered quick, quick, we must
think of some way. Where is the despatch-box still
in his bedroom? What A Stroke of Luck quick
Madam? Bring it here.
A moment later. She had appeared with a red flat
box in her hand. How did you open it before you
have a duplicate key? Yes, of course, you have open it
from out of her, bosom lady Hilda had drawn, a small key,
the Box flew open, it was stuffed with papers Holmes
thrust, the blue envelope deep down to the heart of them
between the leaves of some other document.
The box was shut, locked and returned to the bedroom.
Now we are ready for him, said Holmes we have still 10 minutes,
Ian going far to screen you lady, Hilda in return, you will
spend the time in telling me frankly the real meaning of this
extraordinary Affair, mr. Holmes, I will tell you
everything cried the lady. Oh mr.
Holmes, I would cut off my right hand before I gave him a moment
of Sorrow, there is no woman in all London, who loves her
husband, as I do, and yet, if he knew how I have To how I have
been compelled to act, he would never forgive me for his own
honor stands. So high that he could not forget
or pardon a lapse in another help me mr.
Holmes, my happiness, his happiness, our very lives are at
stake quick. Madam, the time grows short.
It was a letter of mine. Mr. Holmes and Indiscreet letter
written before my marriage, a foolish letter, a letter of an
impulsive loving girl. I meant no harm and yet he would
have thought it criminal had. He read that letter.
His confidence would have been forever destroyed.
It is years since I wrote it I had thought that the whole
matter was forgotten then at last I heard from this man Lucas
that it had passed into his hands.
And that he would lay it before. My husband, I implored his
Mercy, he said that he would return my letter.
If I would bring him a certain document, which he described in
my husband's despatch-box, he had some spy in the office who
had told him of his existence he assured me.
That no harm would come to my husband, put yourself in my
position. Mr. Holmes, what was I to do?
Take your husband into your confidence.
I could not mr. Holmes, I could not on the one
side, seems certain ruin on the other terrible as it seemed to
take my husband's paper. Still in a matter of politics, I
could not understand the consequences while in a matter
of love and Trust, they were only too clear to me.
I did it. Mr. Holmes.
I took an impression of his key. This man.
Lucas furnished, a duplicate. I opened his despatch-box took
the paper and conveyed it to Good Ol fin Street.
What happened there? Madam, I tapped at the door as
agreed. Lucas opened it.
I followed him into his room leaving the hall door.
Ajar behind me for, I fear to be alone with a man.
I remember that there was a woman outside as I entered our
business was soon done. He had my letter on his desk, I
handed him the document, he gave me the Letter at this instant it
was a sound at the door. There was steps in the passage
Lucas quickly turned back, the drugget thrust, the document
into some hiding place there and covered it over.
What happened after that is like some fearful dream.
I have a vision of a dark frantic face of a woman's voice,
which screened in French. My waiting is not in vain At
Last At Last. I have found you with her.
There was a Savage struggle, I saw him with a chair in his hand
and knife gleamed. In hers, I rushed from the
horrible scene ran from the house and only next morning in
the paper. Did I learn that Dreadful
result? That night I was happy for.
I had my letter and I had not seen yet what the future would
bring. It was the next morning that I
realized that I had only exchanged one trouble for
another my husband's anguish at the loss of his paper, went to
my heart. I could hardly prevent myself
from there and they're kneeling down at his feet and telling him
what I had done. But that again, would mean a
confession of the past. I came to you that morning in
order to understand the full All enormity of my offense from the
instant that I grasped it. My whole mind was turned to the
one. The thought of getting back my
husband's paper, it must still be where Lucas had placed it
for. It was concealed before this
dreadful woman entered the room. If it had not been for her
coming, I should not have known where his hiding place was how
was I to get into the room? For two days, I watched the
place. But the door was never left
open. Last night, I made a last
attempt, what I did, and how I succeeded you have already
learned. I brought the paper back with me
and sort of destroying it since I could see, no way of returning
it without confessing my guilt to, my husband Heavens, I hear
his step upon the stair. The European secretary burst
excitedly into the room. Any news mr.
Holmes any news he cried I have some hopes.
Oh thank heaven. His face became radiant.
The prime minister is lunching with me.
May he share your hopes? He has nerves of Steel and yet I
know that he is hardly slept. Since this terrible event Jacobs
will you ask the prime minister to come up as to you dear, I
fear that this is a matter of politics. 6, we will join you in
a few minutes in the dining room.
The prime minister's manner was subdued but I could see by The
Gleam of his eyes and the twitchings of his bony hands
that he shared the excitement of his young colleague.
I understand that you have something to report.
Mr. Holmes purely, - as yet, my friend answered, I have inquired
at every point where it might be and I am sure that there is no
danger to be apprehended. But that is not enough.
Mr. Holmes, we cannot live forever on such a volcano.
He must have something definite. I am in hopes of getting it.
That is why I am here. The more I think of the matter.
The more convinced I am that the letter has never left this
house, mr. Holmes, if it had it would have
certainly been public by now. But why should anyone take it in
order to keep it in this house? I am not convinced that anyone
did take it. Then how could it leave?
The despatch-box. I am not convinced that it ever
did. Leave the despatch-box, mr.
Holmes, this joking is very ill. Timed.
You have my Assurance that it left the Box.
Have you examined the box since Tuesday morning?
No, it was not necessary. You may conceivably have
overlooked it impossible. I say.
But I am not convinced of it. I have known such things to
happen. I presume there are other papers
there. Well, it may have got mixed up
with them. It was on the top, someone may
have shaken the box and displaced it.
No, no, I had everything out. Surely it is easily decided
hope. So, the premier let us have the
despatch-box. Brought in the secretary, rang
the bell Jacob's. Bring down my despatch box.
This is a farcical waste of time, but still if nothing else
will satisfy you it should be done.
Thank you Jacobs, put it here. I've always had the key on my
Watch chain. Here are the papers you see
letter from Lord marrow report? From Sir, Charles Hardy
memorandum from Belgrade note on the Russo.
German grain taxes letter from Madrid.
Note from Lord flowers, good Heavens.
What is this? Lord Bellinger Lord Bellinger
The premier snatched the blue envelope from his hand.
Yes it is. It and the letter is intact.
Hope I congratulate you thank you.
Thank you. What?
A weight of my heart, but this is inconceivable impossible, mr.
Holmes, you're a wizard. A sorcerer.
How'd, you know, it was there because I knew it was nowhere
else. I cannot believe my eyes.
You ran wildly to the door. Where is my wife?
I must tell her all is well, Hill.
De Hilda, we heard his voice on the stairs.
The premier looked at homes with twinkling eyes.
Come sir said he, there is more than this than meets the eye.
How came the letter back in the Box Holmes.
Turned away smiling from the Keen scrutiny of those wonderful
eyes. We also have our diplomatic
Secrets. Said, he and picking up his hat.
He turned to the door. End of the adventure of the
second stain. End of the adventure of the
second stain.