Adventure 11 of the return of Sherlock Holmes by Sir, Arthur
Conan Doyle. This LibriVox recording is in
the public domain. Adventure 11, the adventure of
the missing three quarter. We were fairly accustomed to
receive weird telegrams at Baker Street, but I have a particular
recollection of one which reached us on a gloomy.
February morning, some seven or eight years ago and gave mr.
Sherlock Holmes, a puzzled quarter of an hour.
It was addressed to him and ran, thus, please await me terrible.
Misfortune right-wing three-quarter missing
indispensable tomorrow. Overton strand postmark.
And dispatch. 1036 said, Holmes, reading it over and over.
Mr. Overton was evidently considerably excited when he
sent it. And somewhat incoherent in
consequence. Well, well, he will be here.
I dare say by the time, I have looked through the times and
then we shall know all about it. Even the most insignificant
problem would be welcomed. In these stagnant days, things
had indeed, been very slow with us, and I'd learned to dread
such periods. Of inaction for I Knew by
experience that my companions brain was.
So abnormally active that it was dangerous to leave it without
material upon which to work for years.
I had gradually weaned him from that drug Mania, which had
threatened once to check his remarkable career.
Now, I knew that under ordinary conditions, he no longer craved
for this artificial stimulus, but I was well, aware that the
fiend was not dead, but sleeping and I have known that the sleep
was a lie. 21 and the waking near when in periods of
idleness, I have seen the drawn look upon Holmes's acetic face
and the brooding of his deep-set and inscrutable eyes.
Therefore, I bless this. Mr. Overton whoever he might be
since he had come with his in enigmatic message to break that
dangerous calm, which brought more Peril to my friend than all
the storms of his tempestuous Life.
As we had expected. The telegram was soon followed
by sender and the Card of mr. Cyril, Overton Trinity College,
Cambridge announced the arrival of an enormous young man. 16
Stone of solid bone and muscle who span the doorway with his
broad shoulders. And looked from one of us to the
other with a comely face, which was Haggard with anxiety.
Mr. Sherlock, Holmes. My companion bowed.
I have been down to Scotland, Yard.
Mr. Holmes. I saw inspector Stanley Hopkins.
He advised me to come to you. He said the case so far as he
could see, was more in your line than in that of the regular
police. Pray, sit down and tell me what
is the matter? It's awful.
Mr. Holmes. Simply awful.
I wonder my hair isn't gray and Godfrey Staunton.
You've heard of him. Of course.
He's simply the hinge, the whole team turns on.
I'd rather spare to from the pack and have Godfrey for my
three quarter line, whether it's passing or tackling or
dribbling. There's no one to touch him and
when he's got the head and can hold us all together.
What am I to do? That's what I ask you.
Mr. Holmes. There's more house.
First Reserve. What he's trained as a half and
the always edges, right in on the scrum, instead of keeping
out on the touchline. He's a fine Place kick.
It's true, but then he has no judgment and he can't Sprint for
nuts. Why Morton or Johnson?
The Oxford? Flyers could romp around him.
Stephenson is fast enough, but he couldn't drop from the 25
line and a three-quarter who can't either punt or drop isn't
worth a place for Pace alone. No, mr.
Howe. Holmes we're done unless you can
help me to find Godfrey. Staunton.
My friend had listened with amused.
Surprise to this long speech which was poured forth with
extraordinary Vigor and earnestness.
Every point being driven home by the slapping of a Brawny hand
upon the speaker's knee when our visitor was silent, Holmes
stretched out his hand and took down letter s of his commonplace
book for once. He dug in vain into that.
Mine, a very Formation. There is Arthur H.
Staunton. The rising young forger said he
and there was Henry Staunton whom I helped to hang.
But Godfrey Staunton is a new name to me.
It was our visitors turn to look surprised why mr.
Holmes. I thought you knew things said
he now. I suppose then if you've never
heard of Godfrey Staunton, you don't know Cyril, Overton
either. Holmes shook his head
good-humouredly, Great Scott, cried the athlete.
Why I was first reserved for England against Wales, and I've
skipped the varsity all this year, but that's nothing.
I didn't think there was a soul in England who didn't know,
Godfrey, Staunton the crack three-quarter.
Cambridge Blackheath and five Internationals.
Good Lord. Mr. Holmes.
Where have you lived? Holmes laughed at the Young
Giants naive astonishment. You live in a different world to
me. Mr. Overton are sweeter and
healthier one. My ramifications stretch out
into many sections of society, but never, I am happy to say
into amateur sport, which is the best and sound is thing in
England. However, your unexpected visit
this morning, shows me that even in that world of fresh air, and
fair play there, maybe work for me to do.
So now my good sir. I beg you to sit down and to
tell me. Slowly and quietly exactly what
it is that has occurred and how you desire that I should help
you young Overton's. Face assumed the bothered look
of the man who is more accustomed to using his muscles
than his wits. But by degrees with many
repetitions and obscurities, which I may emit from this
narrative. He laid his strange story before
us. It's this way.
Mr. Holmes. As I have said, I am the skipper
of the rugby team of Cambridge varsity and Godfrey.
Staunton is my best man tomorrow.
We play Oxford yesterday. We all came up and we settled at
Bentley's private hotel at 10:00.
I went round and saw that all the fellows had gone to roost
for, I believe in strict training, and plenty of sleep to
keep a team fit. I had a word or two with Godfrey
before he turned in, he seemed Me to be pale and bothered.
I asked him. What was the matter?
He said he was. All right, just a touch of
headache. I bade him.
Goodnight and left him half an hour later.
The porter tells me that a rough-looking man with a beard
called with a note for Godfrey had not gone to bed and the note
was taken to his room Godfrey. Read it and fell back in a chair
as if he'd been poleaxed. The porter was so scared that he
was going to fetch me, but but Godfrey, We stopped him had a
drink of water and pulled himself together.
Then he went downstairs, said a few words to the man who was
waiting in the hall and the two of them went off together.
The last of the Portis or of them, they were almost running
down the street in the direction of the Strand.
This morning, got his room was empty.
His bed had never been slept in and is things were all.
Just, as I'd seen them the night before, he got off, at a
moment's notice with this stranger and know.
Words come from him. Since I don't believe you'll
ever come back. He was a sportsman was Godfrey
down to his marrow and he would have stopped his training and
let his Skipper if it were not for some cause that was too
strong for him. No, I feel as if he were gone
for good and we should never see him again.
Sherlock Holmes listened with a deepest attention to this
singular narrative. What did you do?
He asked I wired to Cambridge to learn.
If anything had been heard of in there.
I've had an answer. No one has seen him.
Could he have got back to Cambridge?
Yes, there is a late train 11:15.
But so far as you can ascertain, he did not take it.
No, he has not been seen. What did you do?
Next? I wired to Lord mount-james why
to Lord, mount-james Godfrey, is an orphan, and Lord, mount-james
is his nearest relative, his uncle, I believe.
Indeed this throws new light upon the matter.
Lord, mount-james is one of the richest men in England.
So I've heard Godfrey say, and your friend was closely related.
Yes. He was his Heir and the Boy, is
nearly 80 crammed full of gout to they say, he could chalk his
billiard cue with his knuckles. He never allowed Godfrey a
Shilling in his life for his an absolute Miser, but it will all
come to him, right? Enough.
Have you heard from Lord? Mount-james know, what motive
could you friend her have in going to Lord mount-james?
Well, something was worrying him the night before.
And if it was to do with money, it is possible that he would
make for his nearest relative with so much of it, though.
From all I have heard. He would not have much chance of
getting it Godfrey was not fond of the old, man.
He would not go if he could help it.
Well, we can soon determine that if your friend was going to his
relative Lord, mount-james you have then to explain the visit
of this rough-looking fellow at so late an hour and the
agitation that was caused by his coming Cyril, Overton pressed
his hands to his head. I can make nothing of it said
he? Well.
Well, I have a clear day and I shall be happy to look into the
matter. So, two homes, I should strongly
recommend you to make your Operations for your match
without reference to this young gentleman.
It must as you say have been an overpowering necessity, which
tore him away in such a fashion and the same necessity is likely
to hold him away. Let us step round together to
the hotel and see if the porter can throw any fresh light upon
the matter. Sherlock Holmes was a past
master in the art of putting a humble witness at his ease and
very soon in the privacy of Godfrey Staunton has abandoned
room. He had extracted all the porter
had to tell the visitor of the night before was not a
gentleman. Neither.
Was he a working man? He was simply what?
The Porsche described as a medium.
Looking chap. A man of fifty beard.
Grizzled pale-faced, quietly dressed.
He seemed himself to be. Did the porter had observed his
hand trembling when he had held out the note Godfrey Staunton
had crammed the note into his pocket.
Staunton had not shaken hands with the man in the hall.
They had exchanged a few sentences of which the porter
had, only distinguished the one word time.
Then they'd hurried off in the manner described.
It was just 10:30 by the hall clock.
Let me see said Holmes seating himself on Stanton's bed.
You are the day Porter. Are you not you sir?
Argh off duty at 11:00 the night.
Porter saw nothing. I suppose.
No, sir. One Theory apart.
He came in late now. When else where you on duty all
day yesterday. Yes, sir.
Did you take any messages to? Mr. Staunton?
Yes, sir. One Telegram.
Oh, that's interesting. What o'clock was this about six?
Where was mr. Staunton, when he received it
here in this room. Were you present when he opened
it? Yes, sir.
I'll wait you to see if there was an answer.
Well was there? Yes, sir.
He wrote an answer. Did you take it?
Now e took it himself, but he wrote it in your presence.
Yes, sir. I was standing by the door and
he with his back, turned the table when he'd written it.
He said, all right Porter. I'll take this myself.
What did he write it with a pen? Sir, was the telegraphic form.
One of these on the table is Sir.
It was a top one Holmes, Rose taking the forms.
He carried them over to the window and carefully examined
that, which was Uppermost. It is a Pity.
He did not write in pencil said he throwing them down again with
a shrug of disappointment, as you have no doubt, frequently,
observed Watson. The impression usually goes
through a fact, which has dissolved many a happy marriage.
However, I can find no Trace here.
I Rejoice however, to perceive that he wrote with a broad
pointed quill pen, and I can hardly doubt that we will find
some impression upon this blotting pad.
Oh, yes, surely. This is the very thing.
He tore off a strip of the blotting paper and turned
towards us the following hieroglyphic.
Cyril. Overton was much excited.
Hold it to the glass. He cried that is unnecessary
said. Holmes the paper is thin and the
reverse will give the message. Here it is.
He turned it over and read Stand By Us for God's sake.
So that is the tail end of the telegram which Godfrey Staunton
dispatched within a few hours of his disappearance.
There are at least six words of the message which have escaped
us. What remains Stand By Us for
God's sake. Proves that this young man saw a
formidable danger, which approached him and from which
someone else could protect him us Mark.
You another person was involved. Who should it be?
But the pale-faced bearded man who seemed himself in so nervous
a state what then is the connection between Godfrey
Staunton and the bearded man and what is the third Source from
which each of them sought for help against press?
Endanger our inquiry has already narrowed down to that.
We have only to find to whom the telegram is addressed.
I suggested exactly my dear Watson, your reflection though.
Profound had already crossed my mind, but I dare say it may have
come to your notice that counterfoil of another man's
message. There may be some disinclination
on the part of the officials to oblige.
You, there is so much red tape in these matters.
However, I have no doubt that with a little delicacy and
finesse the end may be attained. Meanwhile, I should like in your
presence. Mr. Overton.
To go through these papers which have been left upon the table.
There were a number of letters bills and notebooks which Holmes
turned over and examined with quick nervous fingers and
darting penetrating eyes. Nothing here.
He said At Last, by the way, I suppose your friend was a
healthy young fellow, nothing amiss with him sound as a bell.
Have you ever known him? Lll?
Not a day. He's been laid up with a hack
and once he slipped his kneecap, but that was nothing.
Perhaps he was not so strong as you suppose.
I should think he may have had some secret trouble with your
Ascent. I will put one or two of these
papers in my pocket, in case they should bear upon our future
inquiry. One Moment, One Moment, cried, a
querulous voice and we looked up to find a queer little old man,
jerking and twitching in the doorway.
He was dressed in Rusty black with a very broad brimmed top
hat and a loose white necktie. Holy facts being that's a very
rustic, Parson, or of an Undertaker's mute yet, in spite
of his shabby and even absurd appearance, his voice had a
sharp crackle and his manner a quick intensity, which commanded
attention. Who are you, sir?
And by what, right? Do you touch this gentleman's
papers? He asked, I am a private
detective and I'm endeavoring to explain his disappearance.
Oh, you are. Are you and who instructed?
You a this gentleman? Mr. Thornton's friend was
referred to me by Scotland Yard. Who are you sir?
I am Cyril, Overton. Then it is.
You sent me a telegram. My name is Lord mount-james.
I came round as quickly as the Bayswater bus would bring me.
So you've instructed a detective.
Yes, sir. And are you prepared to meet the
cost? I have no doubt sir.
My friend Godfrey when we find him we'll be prepared to do
that. But if he had never found a
answer me that in that case, no doubt his family.
Nothing of the sort, sir, screen the little man.
Don't look to me for a penny, not a penny.
You understand that mr. Detective.
I'm all the family that this young man has got and I tell you
that, I'm not responsible. If he has any expectations.
It is due to the fact that I have never wasted money and I do
not propose to begin to do so. Now as to those papers with
which you are making so free. I may tell you that in case
there should be anything of any value among them.
You will be held strictly to For what you do with them?
Very good, sir. Said, Sherlock Holmes.
May I ask in the meanwhile? Whether you have yourself any
Theory to account for this young man's disappearance?
No, sir. I have not, he's big enough and
old enough to look after himself.
And if he's so foolish as to lose himself, I entirely refuse
to accept the responsibility of hunting for him.
I quite understand your position said, Holmes with a mischievous
twinkle in his eyes. Perhaps, you don't quite
understand mine Godfrey, Staunton appears to have been a
poor man. If he has been kidnapped.
It could not have been for anything which he himself.
Possesses. The fame of your wealth has gone
abroad Lord mount-james and it is entirely possible that a gang
of Thieves have secured your nephew in order to gain from him
some information as to your house.
Your habits and your treasure. The face of our unpleasant
little visitor turned, as white, as his neck loss Heaven, sir.
What an idea? I never thought of such
villainy. What inhuman Rogues are are in
the world. But Godfrey is a fine lad, a
staunch lad. Nothing would induce him to give
his old Uncle away. I'll have the plate removed over
to the bank this evening, in the meantime spare.
No pains, mr. Detective.
I beg you to leave. Leave no, stone unturned.
To bring him safely back as to money.
Well so far, has a fiver or even a tenner goes you can always
look to me. Even in his chastened frame of
mind, the noble Miser could give us no information, which would
help us for. He knew little of the private
life of his nephew. Our only clue lay in the
truncated Telegram and with a copy of this in his hand home
set forced to find a second linked for his chain.
We had shaken off, Lord, mount-james and Overton had gone
to consult with the other members of his team, Over The
Misfortune, which had befallen them.
It was a telegraph office at a short distance from the hotel.
We halted outside it. It's worth trying Watson said,
Holmes, of course with a warrant we could demand to see the
counter foils, but we have not reached that stage yet.
I don't suppose they remember faces in so busier place.
I let us Venture it. I am so sorry to trouble.
You said he in his blandest manner, to the young woman
behind the grating. There is some small.
Steak about a telegram, I sent yesterday.
I have had no answer and I very much fear that I must have
admitted to put my name at the end.
Could you tell me if this was? So?
The young woman turned over a Sheaf of counter foils.
What a clock? Was it?
She asked a little after 6:00 him.
Was it to Holmes, put his finger to his lips and glanced at me.
The last words in it were for God's sake.
He whispered confidentially. I'm very anxious.
It getting no answer. The young woman separated, one
of the forms. This is it.
There is no name. Said she smoothing it out upon
the counter. Then that, of course accounts.
Am I getting no answer said Holmes?
Dear me, how very stupid of me to be sure.
Good morning, Miss and many. Thanks for having relieved.
My mind. He chuckled and rubbed his
hands. When we found ourselves in the
street once more. Well, I asked, we progress my
Watson we progress. I had seven different schemes
for getting a glimpse of that telegram, but I could hardly
hope to succeed the very first time and what have you gained?
As starting point for our investigation.
He hailed a cab King's cross station.
Said he we have a journey then yes.
I think we must run down to Cambridge together.
All the indications seem to me to point in that direction.
Tell me I asked as we rattled up Gray's Inn Road.
And have you any suspicion yet as to be the cause of The
Disappearance? I don't think that among all our
cases. I've known one where the motives
are more obscure, surely don't really imagine that.
He may be kidnapped in order to give information against his
wealthy Uncle. I confess my dear Watson that
that does not appeal to me as a very probable explanation.
It struck me. However, as being the one which
was most likely to interest that exceedingly unpleasant old
person hits I needed that. But what your Alternatives, I
could mention several, you must admit that it is curious and
suggestive that this incident should occur on the eve of this
important match and should involve.
The only man, whose presence seems essential to the success
of the side. It may have caused be a
coincidence, but it is interesting.
Amateur sport is free from betting, but a good deal of
outside, betting goes on among the public and it is possible
that it might be worth. Someone's while to get it, a
player as the Ruffians of the turf.
Get it a racehorse. There is one explanation.
A second. Very obvious one is that this
young man really is the heir of a great property?
However, modest his means mayor present be and his not
impossible, that a plot to hold him for ransom, might be
concocted. He's series take no account of
the telegram, quite true Watson, the telegram Still Remains the
only solid thing with which we have to deal and we must not
permit our attention to wonder away from it.
It is to gain light upon the purpose of this telegram that we
are now upon our way to Cambridge the path of our
investigation is at present obscure, but I shall be very
much surprised. If before evening.
We have not cleared it up or made a considerable Advance
along it. It was already dark.
When we reach the old University City, Holmes took a cab at the
station and ordered the man to drive to the house of dr.
Leslie Armstrong a few minutes later.
We had stopped at a large mansion in the busiest.
Thoroughfare. We were shown in and after a
long, wait, were at last admitted into the Consulting
room where we found the doctor seated behind his table, it
argues the degree in which I had lost touch with my profession
that the name of Leslie. Wrong was unknown to me.
Now. I'm aware that he is not only
one of the heads of the medical school of the University, but a
thinker of European reputation in more than one branch of
science yet even without knowing His Brilliant record.
One could not fail to be impressed by a mere glance at
the man, the square massive face, the brooding Eyes under
the thatched brows and the granite molding of the
inflexible jaw. A man of deep character a man
with an alert. Mind Grim acetic, self-contained
formidable. So I read dr.
Leslie Armstrong. He held my friends card in his
hand and he looked up with no very pleased expression upon his
dour features. I have heard your name, mr.
Sherlock Holmes and I'm aware of your profession.
One of which I by no means approve in that doctor.
You will find yourself in agreement with every criminal in
the country. So my friend quietly so far as
your efforts are directed towards the suppression of
crime, sir. They must have the support of
every reasonable member of the community there.
I cannot doubt, but the official Machinery is amply.
Sufficient for the purpose. Where you're calling is more
open to criticism is when you pry into the secrets of private
individuals, when you rake up Family Matters, which are better
hidden. And when you incidentally waste
the time of men who are more busy than yourself at the
present moment. For example, I should be writing
A Treatise instead of conversing with you.
No doubt doctor. And yet the conversation, may
prove more important than the treaties.
Incidentally. I may tell you that we are doing
the reverse of what you very justly blame.
And that we are endeavoring to prevent anything like public
exposure of private matters, which must necessarily follow.
When Once the case is fairly in the hands of the official
police. You may look upon me simply as
an irregular, Pioneer who goes in front of the regular forces
of the Country. I have come to ask you about.
Mr. Godfrey Staunton. What about him?
You know, him? Do you not?
He is an intimate friend of mine.
You are aware that he has disappeared.
Ah, indeed. There was no change of
expression in the rugged features of the doctor.
He left his hotel last night. He has not been heard of, no
doubt. He will return.
Tomorrow is the varsity football match.
I have no sympathy with these childish games, the young man's
fate, interest me deeply since I know him and like him, the
football match does not come with a my Horizon at all.
I claim your sympathy, then in my investigation of mr.
Staunton's fate. Do you know where he is?
Certainly not, you have not seen him since yesterday.
No, I have not was mr. Staunton a healthy, man.
Absolutely. Did you ever know him lll?
Never? Holmes popped a sheet of paper
before the doctors eyes, then perhaps you will explain this
receipted bill for thirteen guineas paid by mr.
Godfrey, Staunton last month, to dr.
Leslie Armstrong of Cambridge. I picked it out from among the
papers upon his desk. The doctor flushed with anger.
I do not feel that there is any reason why I should render an
explanation to you. Mr. Holmes.
Holmes, replaced the bill in his notebook.
If you prefer a public explanation.
It's must come sooner or later said, he, I have already told
you that I can hush up that which others will be bound to
publish, and you would really be wiser to take the into your
complete confidence. I know nothing about it.
Did you hear from? Mr. Staunton in London?
Certainly not Dear me, dear me the post office again, home
sighed wearily and most urgent telegram was dispatched to you
from London by Godfrey Staunton at 6:15 yesterday.
Evening, a telegram, which is undoubtedly associated with his
disappearance and yet you have not had it.
It is most culpable. I shall certainly go down to the
office here and register a complaint.
Dr. Leslie Armstrong sprang up from behind his desk and his
dark face was Crimson with Fury. I will trouble you to walk out
of my house, sir said he you can tell your employer Lord
mount-james that I do not wish to have anything to do either
with him or with his agents. No, sir.
No another word. He rang.
The bell, furiously John show these gentlemen out.
A butler. I should have severely to the
door and we found ourselves in the street homes.
Burst out laughing. Dr. Leslie Armstrong is
certainly a man of energy and character said he, I have not
seen a man who if he turns his talents.
That way was more calculated to fill the Gap left by the
illustrious. Moriarty.
And now my dear Watson here. We are stranded and friendless
in this inhospitable town, which we cannot leave without
abandoning our case. This little in just opposite
Armstrong's house is singularly adapted to our needs.
If you would engage a front room and purchase the necessaries for
the night. I may have time to make a few
inquiries. These few inquiries proved
however, to be a more lengthy proceeding than homes had
imagined for he did not return to the in until nearly 9:00.
He was pale and dejected stained with dust and exhausted with
hunger and fatigue. A cold supper was ready upon the
table and when his needs were satisfied and is Piper light.
He was ready to take that half comic and holy philosophic view,
which was natural to him when his Affairs were going, awry.
The sound of carriage Wheels caused him to rise and glanced
out of the window. A broth.
Mm and a pair of Gray's under the glare of a gas lamp stood
before the doctors door. It's been out three hours said,
Holmes started at 6:30. And here it is.
Back. Again, that gives a radius of 10
or 12 miles and he does it once or sometimes twice a day.
No, unusual thing for a doctor in practice, but Armstrong is
not really a doctor in practice. He is a lecturer and a
consultant but he is not care for general practice, which
distracts him from his literary work.
Why then does he make these long Journeys, which must be
exceedingly irksome to him and who is it?
That he visits his Coachman, my dear Watson.
Can you doubt that? It was to him that I first
applied. I do not know.
It came from his own innate depravity or from the promptings
of his master, but he was rude enough to set a dog at me.
Neither dark nor man liked the look of my stick.
However, and the matter fell through relations were strained
after that and further inquiries out of the question.
All that. I have learned, I got from a
friendly native in the yard of Our Own in.
It was he who told me of the doctors habits, and of his daily
Journey at that, instant to give It to his words, The Carriage
came round to the door. Could you not follow it?
Excellent. Watson.
You are scintillating this evening.
The idea did cross my mind. There is, as you may have
observed, a bicycle shop next to our in into this.
I rushed engaged a bicycle and was able to get started before
the carriage was quite out of sight.
I rapidly, overtook it, and then keeping it.
A discreet distance of a hundred yards out.
I followed its lights until we were clear of the town.
We had got well out on the country road.
When a somewhat mortifying incident occurred, The Carriage
stopped, the doctor, alighted walked swiftly back to where I
had also halted and told me in an excellent sardonic fashion
that he feared the road was narrow and that he hoped, his
Carriage did not impede the passage of my bicycle.
Nothing could have been more admirable than his way of
putting it. I at once rode, past the
carriage and keeping to the main road.
I went on for a few miles and then halted in a convenient
place to see if the carriage passed, there was no sign of it.
However, and so, it became evident, but it had turned down
one of several side roads, which I had observed.
I rode back, but again saw nothing of the carriage.
And now as you perceive it as returned, after me, of course.
I had at the outset, no particular reason to connect
these Journeys with The Disappearance of Godfrey,
Staunton and was only inclined to investigate them on the
general grounds, that everything which concerns.
Dr. Armstrong is at present of interest to us.
But now, that I find, he keeps so Keen, a look out upon anyone
who may follow him on these. Excursions the affair appears
more important and I shall not be satisfied.
Until I have made the matter. Clear.
We can follow him tomorrow. Can we?
It is not so easy. As you seem to think you are not
familiar with Cambridgeshire scenery, are you?
It does not lend itself to concealment all this country
that I passed over tonight is as flat and clean as the palm of
your hand. And the man we are following is
no fool as he is very clearly showed tonight.
I have wired to Overton to let us know any fresh London
developments at this address. And in the meantime, we can only
concentrate our attention upon. Dr. Armstrong who's named the
obliging young lady at the office allowed me to read upon
the counterfoil of Staunton has Urgent Message.
He knows where the young man is too, that I'll swear and if he
knows, then it must be our own fault.
If we cannot manage to know also.
At present. It must be admitted that the odd
trick is in his possession. And as you are aware Watson, it
is not my Habit to leave the game in that condition.
And yet, the next day, brought us, no nearer to the solution of
the mystery and note was handed in after breakfast, which Holmes
passed across to me with a smile, sir.
It ran. I can assure you that you are
wasting, your time in dogging, my movements.
I have, as you discovered last night a window at the back of my
broth. Mmm.
And if you desire a 20-mile ride, which will lead you to the
spot from which you started, you have only to follow me.
Meanwhile, I can inform you that no spying upon me can in any
way? Help.
Mr. Godfrey Staunton and I am convinced that the best service
you can do to that gentleman is to return at once to London and
to report to your employer that you are unable to trace him.
Your time in Cambridge will certainly be wasted.
Yours Faithfully Leslie Armstrong.
An outspoken honest antagonist, is the doctor said Holmes.
Well, well he excites my curiosity and I must really know
before I leave him. His Carriage is at this door.
Now said, I there he is. Stepping into it.
I saw him glance up at her window as he did.
So suppose I try my look upon the bicycle.
No, no, my dear Watson with all respect for your natural Acumen.
I do not think that you are quite a match for the worthy
doctor. I think that possibly I can
attain our end by some independent explorations of my
own. I'm afraid that I must leave you
to your own devices as the appearance of to inquiring
strangers upon a sleepy Countryside.
Might excite more gossip than I care for.
No doubt, you will find some sites to amuse you in this
venerable City and I hope to bring back a more favorable
report to you before evening. Once more.
However, my friend was destined to be disappointed.
He came back at night weary and unsuccessful.
I have had a blank day. Watson having got the doctors
general direction. I spent the day in in visiting,
all the villages upon that side of Cambridge and comparing notes
with publicans and other local news agencies.
I have covered some ground Chesterton his Stern water beach
and oakington of each been explored and have each proved
disappointing. The daily appearance of a broth.
Mm and pair could hardly have been overlooked in such sleepy
hollow's. The doctor has scored once more.
Is there a telegram for me? Yes, I opened it.
Here it is. Ask for Pompey from Jeremy
Dixon, Trinity College. I don't understand it.
So it is clear enough. It is from our friend, Overton
and is in answer to a question from me.
I'll just send round a note to mr.
Jeremy Dixon. And then I have no doubt that
our luck will return. By the way.
Is there any news of the match? Yes, the local evening paper has
an excellent account in its last Edition, Oxford won by a goal
and two tries. The last sentences of
description, say the defeat of the Light blues may be entirely
attributed to the on. Fortunate absence of the crack
International Godfrey Staunton, whose want was felt at every
instant of the game. The lack of combination in the
three-quarter line and their weakness, both in attack, and
defense more than neutralize, the efforts of a heavy and
hardworking pack. Then our friend Overton's
forebodings have been Justified said, Holmes.
Personally. I'm in agreement with dr.
Armstrong and football does not. Come with my Horizon early to
bed tonight. Watson, for I foresee, that
tomorrow may be an eventful day. I was horrified by my first
glimpse of homes next morning for he sat by the fire holding
his tiny hypodermic syringe my Associated that instrument, with
the single weakness of his nature and I feared the worst
when I saw it to glittering in his hand.
He laughed at my expression of dismay and laid it upon the
table. No, no.
My dear fellow there is no cause for alarm.
It is not upon this occasion the instrument of evil, but it will
Rather proved to be the key which will unlock our mystery on
this syringe. I base all my hopes.
I have just returned from a small scouting Expedition and
everything is favorable. Eat a good breakfast.
Watson for I propose to get upon.
Dr. Armstrong's Trail today and ones on it.
I will not stop for rest or food until I run him to his burrow.
In that case said I we had best carry our breakfast with us for.
He's making an early start his Judge is at the door.
Never mind. Let him go.
He will be clever. If he can drive where I cannot
follow him, when you have finished, come downstairs with
me and I will introduce you to a detective who is a very eminent
specialist in the work that lies before us.
When we descended, I followed Holmes into the stable yard
where he opened the door of a loose box and let out a squat.
Lop-eared, white and tan, dog. Something between a beagle and a
foxhound. Let me introduce you to Pompey.
So, he Pompey is the pride of the local drag hounds.
No, very great flyer, as his build will show, but a staunch
Hound on a scent. Well Pompey, you may not be
fast, but I expect you will be too fast for a couple of
minutes. Aged London gentleman, so I will
take the liberty of fastening this leather leash to your
collar. Now, boy, come along and show
what you can do. He led him across to the
doctor's door, the dog sniffed around for an instant and then
with a shrill, whine of excitement started off down the
street tugging at his leash in his efforts to go faster in half
an hour. We were clear of the town and
hastening down a country road. What have you done homes?
I asked a threadbare and venerable device, but useful
upon occasion. I walked into the doctor's yard
this morning and shot my syringe full of aniseed over the hind
wheel. A drug Hound will follow aniseed
from here to John o'groats and our friend Armstrong would have
to drive through the cam before he would Shake Pompey off his
Trail. Oh, the cunning Rascal.
This is how he gave me the slip the other night.
The dog gets suddenly turned out of the main road into a
grass-grown lane. Half a mile father.
This opened into another broad Road and the trail turned hard
to the right in the direction of the town, which we had just
quitted. The road took a sweep to the
south of the town and continued in the opposite direction to
that in which we started. This detour has been entirely
for our benefit then said Holmes.
No wonder that my inquiries among those villagers led to
nothing. The doctor has certainly played
the game for all it is worth. And one would like to know the
reason for such elaborate deception.
This should be the village of trumpington to the right of us
and by jove here is a problem. Coming round the corner quick
Watson quick, or we're done. He sprang through a gate into a
Dragging The Reluctant Pompey. After him.
We hardly got under the shelter of the Hedge when the carriage
rattled past. I caught a glimpse of dr.
Armstrong within his shoulders bowed, his head sunk on his
hands. The very image of distress.
I could tell by my companions Graver face that he also had
seen. I fear there is some dark ending
to our Quest said he, it cannot be long before we know it come
Pompey. It is a cottage in the field.
There could be no doubt that we had reached the end of our
journey Pompey ran about and wind eagerly outside the gate
where the marks of the brothels Wheels were still to be seen a
footpath LED across to the Lonely Cottage homes, tied the
dog to the Hedge and we hastened onward.
My friend knocked at the little rustic door and knocked again
without response. And yet the cottage was not
deserted. For a low sound came to our
ears, a kind of drone of misery and despair, which was
indescribably Melancholy Holmes, paused irresolute, and then he
glanced back at the road, which he had just traversed.
A brothel was coming down it and they could be no mistaking,
those gray horses. By jove, the doctor is coming
back. Cried, Holmes.
That settled. It.
We are bound to see what it means before he comes.
He opened the door and we stepped into the Hall.
The droning sound swelled louder upon our ears, until it became
one long deep whale of distress. It came from upstairs homes
darted up and I followed him. He pushed open a half closed
door and we both stood appalled at the sight before us a woman,
young and beautiful was lying dead upon the bed her calm pale
face with dim wide opened. Wise looked upward from amid.
A great tangle of golden hair at the foot of the bed half sitting
half kneeling, his face buried in the clothes was a young man
whose frame was wracked by his sobs.
So absorbed was he by his bitter grief that he never looked up
until Holmes's hand was on his shoulder.
Are you mr. Godfrey?
Staunton? Yes.
I am but you're too late.
She's dead. The man was so days that he
could not make to understand that we were anything.
But doctors who had been sent to his assistance Holmes was
endeavoring to utter a few words of consolation.
And to explain the alarm which have been caused to his friends
by his sudden, disappearance, when there was a step upon the
stairs, and there was the heavy Stern Straining face of dr.
Armstrong at the door. So gentlemen, said he, you have
attained your end and of certainly chosen a particularly
delicate moment for your intrusion.
I would not brawl in the presence of death, but I can
assure you that if I were a younger man, your monstrous
conduct would not pass with impunity.
Excuse me. Dr. Armstrong.
I think we are a little at cross-purposes said, my friend
with dignity. If you could step downstairs
with us, we may each be able to give some light to the other
upon this miserable affair. A minute later.
The Grim doctor and ourselves were in the sitting room below.
Well, sir said he, I wish you to understand in the first place
that I am not employed by Lord mount-james and that my
sympathies in this matter are entirely against that nobleman.
When a man is lost. It is my duty to ascertain his
fate but having done. So the matter ends so far as I'm
concerned and so long, as there is nothing criminal.
I'm much more anxious. Is to hush up private scandals
than to give them publicity. If as I imagine, there is no
breach of the law in this matter.
You can absolutely depend upon my discretion and my cooperation
in keeping the facts out of the papers.
Dr. Armstrong took a quick step forward and wrung homes by the
hand. You are a good fellow said he I
had misjudged you. I thank heaven that my
compunction at leaving poor Staunton all alone in this
plight caused me to turn my carriage back.
And so to make your acquaintance knowing as much as you do.
The situation is very easily explained a year ago Godfrey
Staunton lodged in London for a time and became passionately
attached to his landlady's daughter.
Daughter whom he married. She was as good as she was
beautiful. And as intelligent as she was
good. No man.
Need be ashamed of such a wife. But Godfrey was the heir to this
crabbed old nobleman and who was quite certain that the news of
his marriage would have been the end of his inheritance.
I knew the lad well, and I loved him for his many excellent
qualities. I did all I could to help him to
keep things straight. We did our very best to keep the
thing from everyone for when One such a whisper gets about, it is
not long before. Everyone has heard it, thanks to
this Lonely Cottage. And his own discretion Godfrey
has up to now succeeded. Their secret was known to No One
saved to me and 21. Excellent servant, who was at
present, gone for assistance to trumpington.
But at last there, came a terrible blow in the shape of
dangerous illness to his wife. It was consumption of the most
virulent, kind the poor boy. Half crazed with grief and yet
he had to go to London to play this match for.
He could not get out of it without explanations, which
would expose his secret. I tried to cheer him up by wire
and he sent me one in reply imploring me to do all.
I could this was a telegram which you appear in some
inexplicable way to a scene. I did not tell him how urgent
the danger was for. I knew that he couldn't do no
good here, but I sent the Truth to the girl's father and he very
injudiciously, communicated it to Godfrey.
The result was that he came straight away in a state,
bordering on frenzy and has remained in the same state
kneeling. At the end of her bed until this
morning death. Put an end to her sufferings.
That is all mr. Holmes.
And I am sure that I can rely upon your discretion and that of
your friend. Holmes, grasped the doctors hand
come Watson said he and we passed from that house of grief
into the pale sun, light of the winter day.
End of the adventure of the missing three-quarter.