一七年冬末一个下霜的早晨，黎明时分，有人推动我的肩膀，我醒来一看原来是福
　　 尔摩斯。他手里拿着蜡烛，带着焦急的面容，俯身告诉我发生了一件紧急案子。
　　 他喊道：“快，华生，快！事情十分急迫。什么也不要问，穿上衣服赶快走！”
　　 十分钟后我们乘上马车。马车隆隆地行驶在寂静的街道上，直奔查林十字街火车站。天
　　 色已经微微发亮，在伦敦的灰白色晨雾中时而可以朦胧地看到一两个上早班的工人。福尔摩斯裹在厚厚的大衣里一言不发，我也是同样，因为天气很冷，而且我们也没吃早饭。
　　 在火车站上我们喝过热茶，走进车厢找到座位，这时才感到身体逐渐暖和过来。火车是
　　 开往肯特郡的，一路上福尔摩斯不停地讲着，我只是听。他从口袋里拿出一封信，大声读
　　 道：
　　 肯特，玛尔舍姆，格兰其庄园
　　 下午三点三十分
　　 亲爱的福尔摩斯先生：
　　 我希望你能够立刻协助我解决这桩极特殊的案件。处理这一类案件正是你的特长。现在
　　 除去已把那位夫人放开之外，现场一切东西全未移动，我请求你火速赶来，因为单独留下优
　　 斯塔斯爵士是不妥当的。
　　 您的忠实朋友　　　　 斯坦莱·霍普金
　　 福尔摩斯说：“霍普金找我到现场有七次，每次确实都很需要我的帮助。我想你一定已
　　 经把他的案子全收到你的集子里去了，当然我承认你很会选材，这弥补了你叙述不够得力的
　　 缺陷。但是你看待一切问题总是从写故事的角度出发，而不是从科学破案的角度，这样就毁
　　 坏了这些典型案例的示范性。你把侦破的技巧和细节一笔带过，以便尽情地描写动人心弦的
　　 情节，你这样做，只能使读者的感情一时激动，并不能使读者受到教育。”
　　 我有些不高兴地说：“你为什么不自己写呢？”
　　 “亲爱的华生，我是要写的。你知道，目前我很忙，但是我想在我的晚年写一本教科
　　 书，要把全部侦查艺术写进去。我们现在要侦查的象是一件谋杀案。”
　　 “这么说你认为优斯塔斯爵士已经死了？”
　　 “我想是这样的。霍普金的信说明他心情相当激动，可是他并不是易动感情的人。我想
　　 一定是有人被害，等我们去验尸。如果是自杀，他不会找我们的。信中谈到已把夫人放开，
　　 好象是在发生惨案的时候，她被锁在自己的屋中。华生，这个案件是发生在上流社会里，你
　　 看信纸的质地很好，上面有Ｅ、Ｂ两个字母组成的图案做为家徽，出事地点是个风景如画的
　　 地方。霍普金不会随便写信的，所以我们今天上午一定够忙的。凶杀是在昨天夜里十二点以
　　 前发生的。”
　　 “你怎么知道呢？”
　　 “算一下火车往来以及办事的时间就可以知道。出事后要找当地的，还要报告
　　 苏格兰场，霍普金要去现场，还要发信找我，这至少需要一整夜。好，齐赛尔贺斯特火车站
　　 已经到了，我们这些疑问马上就会得到解决。”
　　 在狭窄的乡村小道上我们匆匆忙忙地走了两英里，来到一座庭园的门前。一个看门的老
　　 人走过来，给我们打开了大门，他憔悴的面容证实这里确实发生了不幸的事件。一进富丽堂
　　 皇的庭园，就看见两排老榆树，恰好形成一条林荫道，通向一座低矮而宽敞的房屋，正面有
　　 帕拉弟奥式的柱子。房屋①的中央部分被常春藤覆盖着显得十分古老陈旧，但是从高大的窗
　　 户可以看出，这栋房子进行过改建，并且有一侧完全是新建的。年轻机智的霍普金正站在门
　　 道里迎接我们，看样子显得很焦急。
　　 --------------
　　 ①帕拉弟奥（１５１８年，１５８０年），意大利建筑家。——译者注
　　 “福尔摩斯先生，华生大夫，你们来了我真高兴。不是情况紧急，我是不会如此冒昧
　　 的。现在夫人已经苏醒过来，她把事情讲得很清楚，所以我们要做的事不多了。你还记得路
　　 易珊姆那伙强盗吗？”
　　 “怎么，就是那三个姓阮达尔的吗？”
　　 “是的，父亲和两个儿子。毫无疑问是他们干的。两周以前他们在西顿汉姆做了案，有
　　 人发现后报告了我们。这么快就又害了人，真是残酷，一定是他们干的。一定要把他们绞
　　 死！”
　　 “那么优斯塔斯爵士死了？”
　　 “是的，他的头部被通条打破了。”
　　 “车夫在路上告诉我，爵士的姓名是优斯塔斯·布莱肯斯特尔。”
　　 “不错。他是肯特郡最大的富翁。夫人正在盥洗室，真可怜，她遭遇了这样可怕的事，
　　 我刚一看见她的时候，她简直象是个半死的人。你最好见见她，听她给你们叙述一下。然后
　　 我们再一起去餐厅查看。”
　　 布莱肯斯特尔夫人是个很不平常的人，象她这样仪态优柔、风度高雅、容貌美丽的女人
　　 我还很少看到。她有白皙的皮肤、金黄色的头发、深蓝色的眼睛，加上她那秀丽的面容，真
　　 可谓天姿国色。可是这桩不幸的事件使她神情阴郁，脸色憔悴。她的一只眼睛红肿，可以看
　　 出，她不仅忍受着精神上的、而且还忍受着肉体上的痛苦。她的女仆——一个神色严厉的高
　　 个子妇女，正用稀释了的醋不停地给她冲洗眼睛。夫人品惫地躺在睡椅上。我刚一进屋就看
　　 出，她那灵敏的、富有观察力的目光以及脸上的机警的神情表明：她的智慧和勇气并没有被
　　 这桩惨案所动摇。她穿着蓝白相间的宽大的晨服，身旁还放着一件镶有白色金属起的黑色餐
　　 服。
　　 她厌倦地说：“霍普金先生，所发生的事情我已经都告诉你了。你能不能替我重复一遍
　　 呢？不过，如果你认为有必要的话，我就再讲一次。他们去过餐厅了吗？”
　　 “我想还是让他们先听夫人讲讲为好。”
　　 “既然如此，我就再重复一遍，我一想到餐厅里的尸体，就感到非常恐怖。"她浑身颤
　　 抖，抬起手来挡住脸，这时宽大晨服袖口向下滑动，露出她的前臂。福尔摩斯惊讶地喊道：
　　 夫人，您受伤不止一处！这是怎么一回事？
　　 红肿的伤痕。她匆忙地用衣服把它盖住。并且说道：“没有什么。这和夜里的惨案没有关
　　 系。你和你的朋友都请坐，我把一切都告诉你们。
　　 “我是优斯塔斯·布莱肯斯特尔的妻子。我结婚已经有一年了。我们的婚姻是不幸的，
　　 我想没有必要掩盖这一点。即使我想否认，我的邻居们也会告诉你的。对于婚后双方的关
　　 系，也许我也应负一部分责任。我是在澳大利亚南部比较自由、不很守旧的环境中长大的，
　　 这里拘谨的、讲究礼节的英国式生活不合我的口味。不过主要的原因是由另外一件人所共知
　　 的事情引起的，那就是：布莱肯斯特尔爵士已经嗜酒成癖，和这样的人在一起，哪怕是一小
　　 时，也会使人感到烦恼。把一个活泼伶俐的妇女整日整夜地拴在他身边，你能想象出这是多
　　 么无法忍受的事吗？谁要是认为这样的婚姻不能解除那简直就是犯罪，是亵渎神圣，是败坏
　　 道德。你们荒谬的法律会给英国带来一场灾难，上帝是会制止一切不义行为的。”她从睡椅
　　 上坐直身子，两颊涨红，她的眼睛从青肿的眼眶里发出愤怒的光芒。那个神色严厉的女仆有
　　 力而又温和地把夫人的头部放回到靠垫上，她愤怒的高亢的说话声渐渐变成了激动的呜咽。
　　 停了一会儿她继续说：
　　 “昨天夜里，所有的仆人全象往常一样睡在这所房子新建的那一边。这栋房子正中部分
　　 包括起居室、它后面的厨房以及我们楼上的卧室。我的女仆梯芮萨住在我卧室上面的阁楼。
　　 这个正中部分没有别人住，无论什么声音都不会传到新建的一侧惊醒仆人们。这些情况强盗
　　 们一定都知道，否则他们决不会这样肆无忌惮。
　　 “优斯塔斯爵士大约十点半休息。那时仆人们都已经回到他们自己的屋子。只有我的女
　　 仆还没有睡，她在阁楼上自己的房间里，听候吩咐。在我上楼前总要亲自去各处看看是不是
　　 一切都收拾妥当了，这是我的习惯，因为优斯塔斯是靠不住的。我总是先到厨房、食起室、
　　 猎枪室、弹子房、客厅，最后到餐厅。我走到餐厅的窗户前，窗户上还挂着厚窗帘，我忽地
　　 感到一阵风吹到脸上，这才看到窗户还开着。我把窗帘向旁边一掀，呵，迎面竟站着一个宽
　　 肩膀的壮年人，他象是刚刚走进屋里。餐厅的窗户是高大的法国式的窗户，也可以当作通到
　　 草坪的门。当时我手中拿着我卧室里的蜡烛台，借着蜡烛的微光，我看见这个人背后，还有
　　 两个人正要进来。我吓得退后了一步，这个人立即向我扑来。他先抓住我的手腕，然后又卡
　　 住我的脖子。我正要开口喊，他的拳头便狠狠地打在我的眼睛上，把我在地。我一定是
　　 昏过去了好几分钟，因为等我苏醒过来的时候，看见他们已经把叫佣人的铃绳弄断，把我紧
　　 紧地缚在餐桌一头的一把橡木椅子上。我全身被缚得很牢，一点也动不了，嘴里塞着手绢，
　　 喊不出声。正在这时我倒霉的丈夫来到餐厅。显然他是听到了一些可疑的声音，所以他是有
　　 准备的。他穿着睡衣和睡裤，手里拿着他喜欢用的黑刺李木棍。他冲向强盗，可是那个年纪
　　 较大的早已蹲子从炉栅上拿起了通条，当爵士走过的时候，他凶猛地向爵士头上打去。
　　 爵士一声便倒下了，再也未动一动。我又一次昏过去，我失去知觉的时间大概还是几分
　　 钟。我睁开眼睛的时候看到，他们从餐具柜里把刀叉拿出，还拿了一啤酒，每人手中有个玻
　　 璃杯。我已经说过，一个强盗年纪较大有胡子，其他两个是尚未成年的孩子。他们可能是一
　　 家人——父亲带着两个儿子。他们在一起耳语了一会儿，然后走过来看看是否已把我缚紧。
　　 后来，他们出去了，并且随手关上了窗户。又过了足足一刻钟我才把手绢从口里弄出去，这
　　 时我喊叫女仆来解开我。其他的仆人们也听到了，我们找来，又立即和伦敦联系。
　　 先生们，我知道的就是这些，我希望以后不要让我再重复这段痛苦的经历了。”
　　 霍普金问：“福尔摩斯先生，有什么问题吗？”
　　 福尔摩斯说：“我不想再使布莱肯斯特尔夫人感到不耐烦，也不想再耽误她的时间了。
　　 然后他对女仆说：“在我去餐厅以前，希望你讲讲你看到的情况。”
　　 她说：“这三个人还没有走进屋子，我就已经看见他们了。当时我正坐在我卧室的窗户
　　 旁，在月光下我看到大门那儿有三个人，但是那时我没有把这当回事。过了一个多小时以
　　 后，我听见女主人的喊声，才跑下楼去，看见这可怜的人儿。正象她自己所说的那样，爵士
　　 倒在地板上，他的血和脑浆溅了满屋子。我想这些事使她吓昏过去，她被绑在那儿，衣服上
　　 溅了许多血点。要不是这位澳大利亚阿得雷德港的玛丽·弗莱泽女士，也就是这位格兰其庄
　　 园的布莱肯斯特尔夫人变得性格坚强，那她一定会失掉生活的勇气了。先生们，你们询问她
　　 的时间已经够长的了，现在她该回到自己的屋里，好好地休息一会儿了。”
　　 这个瘦削的女仆象母亲般温柔地把她的手搭在女主人肩上，把她领走了。
　　 霍普金说：“她俩一直在一起。这位夫人是由她从小照料大的，十八个月前夫人离开澳
　　 大利亚，她也随同来到了英国。她的名字叫梯芮萨·瑞特，这种女仆现在没处找了。福尔摩
　　 斯先生，请从这边走。”
　　 福尔摩斯表情丰富的脸上，原来那种浓厚的兴致已经消失了，我知道这是由于案情并不
　　 复杂，丧失了它的吸引力。看来事情只剩下逮捕罪犯，而逮捕一般罪犯又何必麻烦他呢？此
　　 刻我的朋友眼睛中流露出的烦恼，正象一个学识渊博的专家被请去看病，却发现患者只是一
　　 般疾病时所感到的那种烦恼。不过格兰其庄园的餐厅倒是景象奇异，足以引起福尔摩斯的重
　　 视，并且能够再度激其他那渐渐消失的兴趣。
　　 这间餐厅又高又大，屋顶的橡木天花板上刻满了花纹，四周的墙壁上画着一排排的鹿头
　　 和古代武器，墙壁下端有橡木嵌板。门的对面是刚才谈过的高大的法国式窗户，其右侧有三
　　 扇小窗户，冬季的微弱阳光从这里射进来，其左侧有个很大很深的壁炉，上面是又大又厚的
　　 壁炉架。壁炉旁有把沉重的橡木椅子，两边有扶手，下面有横木。椅子的花棱上系着一根紫
　　 红色的绳子，绳子从椅子的两边穿过连到下面的横木上。在释放这位妇人的时候，绳子被解
　　 开了，但是打的结子仍然留在绳子上。这些细节只是后来我们才注意到，因为我们的注意力
　　 完全被躺在壁炉前虎平地毯上的尸体吸引住了。
　　 一眼看上去，死者大约四十岁，体格魁梧，身材高大。他仰卧在地上，又短又黑的胡须
　　 中露出呲着的白牙。他两手握拳放在头前，一根短粗的黑刺李木棍横放在他的两手上。他面
　　 色黝黑，鹰钩鼻，本来相貌倒还英俊，而现在却是面孔歪曲，狰狞可怖。显然他是在床上听
　　 到声音的，因为他穿着华丽的绣花睡衣，裤腿下露出来一双光着的脚。他的头部伤得很重，
　　 屋子里到处都溅满鲜血，可见他所受到的那致命的一击是非常凶狠的。他身旁放着那根很粗
　　 的通条，猛烈的撞击已经使它折弯。福尔摩斯检查了通条和尸首。
　　 然后他说道：“这个上了年纪的阮达尔，一定是个很有力气的人。”
　　 霍普金说：“正是这样。我有关于他的一些材料，他是个很粗暴的家伙。”
　　 “我们要想抓到他是不会有什么困难的。”
　　 “一点也不困难。我们一直在追查他的去向，以前有人说他去了美国。既然我们知道这
　　 伙人还在英国，我相信他们肯定逃不掉。每个港口都已经知道了这件事，傍晚以前我们要悬
　　 赏缉拿他们。不过使我感到奇怪的是，既然他们知道夫人能够说出他们的外貌，并且我们也
　　 能认出他们，为什么他们还会做出这种蠢事？”
　　 “人们会认为，为了灭口，这伙强盗准会把布莱肯斯特尔夫人弄死。”
　　 我提醒他说：“他们也许没有料到夫人昏过去后一会儿就又苏醒了。”
　　 “那倒很有可能。如果他们以为她当时完全失去了知觉，那他们也许不会要她的命。霍
　　 普金，关于这个爵士有什么情况吗？我好象听到过有关他的一些怪事。”
　　 他清醒的时候心地善良，但是等他醉了或是半醉的时候就成了个地道的恶魔。我说他
　　 半醉，因为他烂醉如泥的时候倒不多。他一醉就象着了魔，什么事都干得出来。尽管他有钱
　　 又有势，不过据我所知，社交活动他很少参加。听说他把狗浸在煤油里，然后用火烧，而且
　　 狗是夫人的，这件事费了很大劲儿才平息下来。还有一次他把水瓶向女仆梯芮萨·瑞特扔
　　 去，这也惹起了一场风波。我们两人私下里说，总而言之，这个家没有他倒好。你在看什
　　 么？”
　　 福尔摩斯跪在地上，仔细观察缚过夫人的那根红绳子上的结子，然后又细心地检查强盗
　　 拉断了的那一头绳子。
　　 他说：“绳子往下一拉，厨房的铃声应该是很响的。”
　　 “没人听得到。厨房在这栋房子的后面。”
　　 “这个情况强盗怎么会知道的呢？他怎么敢不顾一切地拉这根铃绳呢？”
　　 “福尔摩斯先生，你说得很对。这个问题，我也反复地考虑过。强盗一定很熟悉这栋房
　　 子，熟悉这里的习惯。他肯定知道仆人们睡觉较早，知道没人能听到厨房的铃声。所以他准
　　 和某个仆人有勾结。这是显而易见的。可是仆人有八个，而且全都行为端正。”
　　 福尔摩斯说：“如果每个仆人的情况都基本一样，那就要怀疑主人向她头上扔过水瓶的
　　 那个。可是这样就会怀疑到那个女仆所忠心服侍的女主人身上。不过这一点是次要的，你抓
　　 到阮达尔以后弄清同谋大概就不难了。夫人所讲的情况需要证实，我们可以通过现场的实物
　　 来证实。"他走到窗前，打开那扇法国式的窗户，看了一看说：“窗户下的地面很硬，这里
　　 不会有什么痕迹。壁炉架上的蜡烛是点过的。”
　　 “对，他们是借着这些蜡烛和夫人卧室的蜡烛光亮走出去的。”
　　 “他们拿走了什么东西？”
　　 “拿的东西不多，只从餐具柜里拿走了六个盘子。布莱肯斯特尔夫人认为优斯塔斯爵士
　　 的死使强盗们惊慌失措，所以来不及抢劫，不然的话，他们一定会把这栋房子劫掠一空。”
　　 “这样解释很有道理。据说他们喝了点儿酒。”
　　 “那一定是为了镇定神经。”
　　 “正是。餐具柜上的三个玻璃杯大概没有移动吧？”
　　 “没有动，还象原来那样放着。”
　　 “我们看看。喂，这是什么？”
　　 三个杯子并排在一起，每个杯子都装过酒，其中一个杯子里还有葡萄酒的渣滓。酒瓶靠
　　 近酒杯，里面还有大半啤酒，旁边放着一个长长的肮脏的软木塞。瓶塞的式样和瓶上的尘土
　　 说明杀人犯喝的不是一般的酒。
　　 福尔摩斯的态度突然有了改变。他的表情不再那样淡漠，我看见他炯炯有神的双眼迸射
　　 出智慧和兴奋的光芒。他拿起软木塞，认真地察看着。
　　 他问：“他们怎样拔出这瓶塞的？”
　　 霍普金指了指半开的抽屉。抽屉里放着几条餐巾和一把大的拔塞钻。
　　 “布莱肯斯特尔夫人说没说用拔塞钻的事？”
　　 “没说，想必是这伙强盗开酒瓶的时候，她已经失去了知觉。”
　　 实际上他们没有用拔塞钻。用的可能是小刀上带的螺旋，这个螺旋不会超过一英寸半
　　 长。仔细观察软木塞的上部可以看出，螺旋插了三次才拔出软木塞。其实用拔塞钻卡住瓶
　　 塞，一下便能拔出来。你抓到这个人的时候，你会弄清他身上有把多用小刀。”
　　 “分析得太妙了！"霍普金说。
　　 “可是这些玻璃杯意味着什么，我不清楚。布莱肯斯特尔夫人确实看见这三个人喝酒
　　 了，是不是？”
　　 “是的，这一点她记得很清楚。”
　　 “那么，这个情况就说到这儿。还有什么可说的吗？可是，霍普金，你要承认，这三个
　　 玻璃杯很特别。怎么？你看不出有什么特别的地方？那好，不管它了。可能一个人有些专门
　　 知识和能力，便不愿意采取就在手头的简单解释，而要去寻求复杂的答案。当然，玻璃杯的
　　 事也可能是偶然的。好，霍普金，再见吧！我看我帮不了你的忙了，对你说来，好象案子已
　　 经很清楚。抓到阮达尔或是有什么新的情况，请你告诉我。我相信你很快就会顺利地结束这
　　 个案件。华生，走吧，我想我们到家可以好好地做点事。”
　　 回家的路上，我看到福尔摩斯脸上带着困惑不解的神情。时而他努力驱散疑团，豁然畅
　　 谈；时而疑窦丛生，双眉紧皱，目光茫然；可以看出，他的思想又回到了格兰其庄园堂皇的
　　 餐厅。正当我们的火车从一个郊区小站缓缓地开动的时候，他却突如其来地跳到站台上，而
　　 且随手把我也拉下了火车。
　　 火车转过弯完全消失了，他说：“好朋友，请原谅，让你感到突然，因为我心里忽然产
　　 生一个念头，华生，不管怎么样，这个案子我不能不管。我的本能迫使我这样做。事情颠倒
　　 了，全颠倒了，我敢说是颠倒了。可是夫人说的话无懈可击，女仆的证明又很充分，就连细
　　 节也相当准确。哪些是我不同意的呢？三个酒杯，就是那三个酒杯。如果我没把事情看成理
　　 所当然，没有被编造的事实搅乱我的思想，如果我这时再去察看一切，是不是会得到更多的
　　 实证呢？我相信一定会的。华生，我们坐在这条凳子上等候去齐塞尔贺斯特的火车吧。我现
　　 在告诉你我的证据，不过你先要从心里排除这种想法，即认为女仆和女主人所说的一切都必
　　 然是真实的。万万不能让这位夫人讨人喜欢的性格影响你的判断力。
　　 “如果我们冷静地思考一下，夫人讲的话里有些细节是可以引起我们的怀疑的。那些强
　　 盗们两周以前已经在西顿汉姆闹得不象样子了。他们的活动和外貌已经登在报纸上，所以谁
　　 想要编造一个有强盗的事，当然就会想到他们。事实上，已经弄到一大笔钱财的强盗往往都
　　 是想要安安静静地享受一下，而不会轻易再去冒险。另外，强盗们一般不会那么早地去打
　　 劫，也不会用打伤一位妇女的办法来阻止她喊叫，事实上，打她，她会更用力地喊叫。另外，如果强盗人数多，足以对付一个人的时候，他们一般不会杀人。还有，他们一般都很贪
　　 婪，能拿的东西，都会拿走，不会只拿一点。最后一点，强盗们喝酒一般都是喝得净光，不
　　 会剩下大半瓶。华生，有这么多不一般的事，你的看法怎样呢？”
　　 “这些事加到一起，意义当然很大，可是每件事就其本身来说又是有可能的。我看最奇
　　 怪的是竟会把夫人绑在椅子上。”
　　 这一点我还没完全弄清。华生，显然应该是他们或者杀了她，或者把她弄到看不见他
　　 们逃跑的地方。但是，不管怎样说，这位夫人所讲的话并不全是事实。此外，还有酒杯的问
　　 题。”
　　 “酒杯又怎么样呢？”
　　 “酒杯的情况你弄清了吗？”
　　 “我弄得很清楚。”
　　 “说是有三个人用杯子喝酒。你觉得这可能吗？”
　　 “为什么不可能？三个杯子全沾了酒。”
　　 “是的，可是只有一个杯子里有渣滓。你注意到这一点没有？你是怎么看的呢？”
　　 “倒酒时最后一杯很可能是有渣滓的。”
　　 “不对。酒瓶是盛满酒的，所以不能想象前两杯很清，第三杯很浊。有两种解释，只有
　　 两种。一种是：倒满了第二个杯子以后，用力地摇动了酒瓶，所以第三杯有渣滓。但是这好
　　 象不太可能。对，肯定是不可能的。”
　　 “那么你又怎样解释呢？”
　　 “只用了两个杯子，两个杯子的渣滓都倒在第三个杯子里，所以产生了假象，好象有三
　　 个人在那儿喝酒。这样，所有的渣滓不是都在第三个杯子里了吗？对，我想一定是这样的。
　　 如果对于这个小小的细节我碰巧做出了符合事实的解释，那么这就是说夫人和她的女仆故意
　　 对我们撒谎，她们说的话一个字也不能相信，于是，这个案件立刻变成一件很不寻常的案
　　 子。她们掩护罪犯一定有重大的理由，因此我们不能依靠她们，这就得全凭我们自己设法弄
　　 清当时的情况。这也就是我目前的打算。华生，去西顿汉姆的火车来了。”
　　 格兰其庄园的人们对于我们的返回感到非常惊讶。斯坦莱·霍普金已经去总部汇报，所
　　 以福尔摩斯走进餐厅，从里面锁上门，认真仔细地检查了两个小时。结果为他由逻辑推理所
　　 得出的正确结论提供了可靠的依据。他坐在一个角落里仔细观察着，好象一个学生聚精会神
　　 地注视着教授的示范动作。我跟随着他，进行细致入微的检查。窗户、窗帘、地毯、椅子、
　　 绳子，逐个地仔细查看，认真思考。爵士的尸体已经移走，其余的一切仍是我们早上见到的
　　 那样。最使我感到意外的是，福尔摩斯竟然爬到坚固的壁炉架上。那根断了的仅剩下几英寸
　　 的红色绳头仍然连在一根铁丝上，正高高地悬在他头上。他仰着头朝绳头看了好一会儿，为
　　 了离绳头更近，他一条腿跪在墙上的一个木托座上。这使他和那根断了的绳子只离几英寸远
　　 了，可是引其他注意的好象不是绳子而是托座本身。后来，他满意地跳了下来。
　　 他说：“华生，行了，我们的案子解决了，这是我们的故事集里最特殊的一个案件。
　　 咳，我多迟钝呵，几乎犯了最严重的错误！现在除了几点细节还不太清楚外，事情的全部过
　　 程已经清晰完整了。”
　　 “你弄清哪些人是罪犯了？”
　　 “华生老兄，只有一个罪犯，但是是个非常难对付的人。他健壮得象头狮子——他一下
　　 能把通条打弯。他身高六英尺三英寸，灵活得象只松鼠，他的手很灵巧，还有头脑也非常聪
　　 明，因为这整个巧妙的故事是他编造的。我们遇到的是这个特殊人物的精心杰作。可是在铃
　　 绳上却露出了破绽，铃绳本来不应该显出破绽的。”
　　 “怎么一回事呢？”
　　 “华生，如果你想把铃绳拉下来，你认为绳子应当从哪儿断呢？当然是在和铁丝相接的
　　 地方。为什么这根绳子在离铁丝三英寸的地方断了呢？”
　　 “因为那儿磨损了？”
　　 “对。我们能够检查的这一头是磨损了的。这个人很狡猾，用刀子故意磨损绳子的一
　　 头。可是另外一头没有磨损。从这里你看不清，但是从壁炉架上看，那一头切得很平，没有
　　 任何磨损的痕迹。你可以想出原来是怎么一回事。这个人需要一根绳子，可是怕铃一响发出
　　 警报，所以他不把绳子拉断。他怎么办呢？他跳上壁炉架，还是够不到，于是又把一条腿跪
　　 在托座上——托座上的尘土有痕迹——于是拿出他的小刀切断绳子。我够不着那个地方，至
　　 少还差三英寸，因此我推测出他比我高三英寸。你看橡木椅子座上的痕迹！那是什么？”
　　 “血。”
　　 “确实是血。这一点表明夫人的谎言不值一驳。强盗行凶的时候，她若是坐在椅子上，
　　 那么血迹又是从哪儿来的呢？一定是她丈夫死后她才坐到椅子上的。我敢保证，那件黑色衣
　　 服也有同样的痕迹。华生，我们并没有失败，而是胜利了，是以失败开始，以胜利告终。我
　　 要和保姆梯芮萨谈几句话。为了得到我们所需要的情况，我们谈话时一定要加倍小心。”
　　 严厉的澳大利亚保姆梯芮萨很引人注意，她沉默寡言，秉性多疑，而且没有礼貌。福尔
　　 摩斯对她态度友好，温和地倾听着她的叙述，过了一阵，终于赢得了她的信任。她没有掩盖
　　 她对于已死的主人的痛恨。
　　 “是的，先生，他对准我扔过水瓶。有一次我听见他骂女主人，我跟他说要是女主人的
　　 兄弟在这儿的话，他就不敢骂了。所以他就拿起水瓶向我扔过来。要不是我的女主人拦阻
　　 他，说不定他要接连扔上十几次。他总是女主人，而女主人却顾全面子不愿吵闹。并且
　　 夫人不愿告诉我她怎样受到。你今天早上看到夫人手臂上有伤痕，这些夫人是不肯和我
　　 说的，可是我知道那是别针扎的。这个可恶的魔鬼！这个人已经死了，我还是这样说他，上
　　 帝宽恕我吧！我们初次见到他的时候，他非常和蔼可亲，可那是十八个月以前的事，我们两
　　 人都感到象是过了十八年似的。那时女主人刚到伦敦。以前她从来没有离开过家，那是她第
　　 一次出外旅行。爵士用他的封号、金钱和虚伪的伦敦气派赢得了女主人的欢心。女主人走错
　　 了路，受到了惩罚，真是够她受的。到伦敦后的第二个月，我们就遇见了他。我们六月到
　　 的，那就是七月遇见的。他们去年正月结了婚。呵，她又下楼到起居室来了，她准会见你
　　 的，但是你千万不要提过多的问题，因为这一切已经够她难受的了。”
　　 女仆和我们一起走进起居室。布莱肯斯特尔夫人仍然靠在那张睡椅上，精神显得好了一
　　 些。女仆又开始给女主人热敷青肿的眼睛。
　　 夫人说：“我希望你不是再次来盘问我。”
　　 福尔摩斯很温和地说：“不是的。布莱肯斯特尔夫人，我不会给你造成一些不必要的苦
　　 恼。我的愿望是让你安静，因为我知道你已经遭受了很多的痛苦。如果你愿意把我当做朋友
　　 一样地信任我，事实将会证明我不会辜负你的诚意。”
　　 “你要我做什么呢？”
　　 “告诉我真实的情况。”
　　 “福尔摩斯先生！”
　　 “布莱肯斯特尔夫人，掩盖是没有用的。你也许听过我的小小的名声。我用我的名誉担
　　 保，你所讲的完全是编造出来的。”
　　 布莱肯斯特尔夫人和女仆一起凝视着福尔摩斯，夫人脸色苍白，双眼流露出恐惧的目
　　 光。
　　 梯芮萨喊道：“你是个无耻的家伙！你是不是说我的女主人撒谎了？”
　　 福尔摩斯从椅子上站了起来。
　　 “你没有什么要和我说的了吗？”
　　 “我全说了。”
　　 “布莱肯斯特尔夫人，再想一想。坦率一些不是更好吗？”
　　 隔了一会儿，夫人美丽的脸庞上露出了犹豫不决的神色，继而是一种坚决的表示，最
　　 后，她重新陷入了一种呆滞的神态。她茫然地说：
　　 “我知道的都说了。”
　　 福尔摩斯拿其他的帽子，耸了耸肩说：“对不起。"我们再也没有说什么，便走出了这
　　 间起居室，离开了这栋房子。庭院中有个水池，我的朋友向水池走去。水池已经完全冻住
　　 了，但是为了养活一只天鹅，冰面上打了一个洞。福尔摩斯注视了一下水池，便继续往前走
　　 到大门。他在门房里匆忙地给霍普金写了一封短笺，交给了看门人。
　　 他说：“事情也可能成功，也可能失败。但是为了证明我们第二次不是白来，我们一定
　　 要帮霍普金做点事情。现在我还不能告诉他我们要做什么。我看现在我们应该到阿得雷德—
　　 —南安普敦航线的海运公司的办公室去，这个公司大概是在波尔莫尔街的尽头。英国通往南
　　 澳大利亚还有另外一条航线，不过，我们还是先去这家较大的公司。”
　　 公司经理见到福尔摩斯的名片以后，立即会见了我们，福尔摩斯很快地得到了他所需要
　　 的情况。一五年六月只有一条航船到了英国港口。这条船叫"直布罗陀磐石"号，是这家
　　 公司最大最好的船只。查阅了旅客名单，发现了阿得雷德的弗莱泽女士和女仆的名字。现在
　　 这只船正要开往南澳大利亚，在苏伊士运河以南的某个地方。它和一五年比较基本没有
　　 变化，只有一个变动——大副杰克·克洛克已被任命为新造的"巴斯磐石"号船的船长，这只
　　 船过两天要从南安普敦开航。船长住在西顿汉姆，他可能过一会儿来公司接受指示，如果我
　　 们愿意等，可以见到他。
　　 福尔摩斯先生并不想见他，但是想了解他过去的表现和品行。
　　 经理认为他的工作表现是完美无瑕的。船上没有一个官员能够比得上他。至于为人方
　　 面，他也是可靠的。但是下船以后，却是一个粗野、冒失的家伙，性情急躁，容易激动，然
　　 而他忠实，诚恳，热心肠。福尔摩斯了解到主要的情况后，我们就离开了阿得雷德——南安
　　 起敦海运公司，乘马车来到苏格兰场。可是他没有进去，却坐在马车里，皱着眉头沉思。过
　　 了一会儿，他叫马车夫驾车到查林十字街的电报局，拍了一份电报，然后我们就回到贝克
　　 街。
　　 我们走进屋子以后，他说：“华生，不，我不能这样做。传票一发出便无法搭救他了。
　　 曾经有一两次，我深深意识到，由于我查出罪犯而造成的害处要比犯罪事件本身所造成的害
　　 处更大。我现在已经懂得需要谨慎，我最好是哄骗一下英国的法律，而不要哄骗我的良心。
　　 我们先要了解更多的情况，然后再行动。”
　　 快到傍晚的时候，霍普金来了。他的事情进行得不够顺利。
　　 “福尔摩斯先生，我看你真是个魔术师。我有时候认为你有神仙一样的能力。你怎么会
　　 知道丢失的银器在水池底下呢？”
　　 “我并不知道。”
　　 “但是你让我检查水池。”
　　 “你找到这些银器了？”
　　 “找到了。”
　　 “我很高兴帮助了你。”
　　 “可是，你并没有帮助我。你使得事情更困难了。偷了银器又丢到附近的水池里，这是
　　 什么强盗呢？”
　　 “这种行为当然是很古怪的。我只是想：不需要银器而偷了银器的人，也就是为了制造
　　 而偷的人，一定急于丢掉银器。”
　　 “为什么你会产生这样的想法呢？”
　　 “我不过是想可能如此。强盗们从窗户那里出来以后，看到眼前有个水池，水池的冰面
　　 上还有一个洞，藏在这里不是最好吗？”
　　 斯坦莱·霍普金高声说：“啊，藏东西的最好的地方！是的，是的，我全都明白了！那
　　 时天色还早，街上有人，他们拿着银器怕被人看见，所以他们把银器沉到水池里，打算没有
　　 人的时候回来再拿。这个解释很恰当，福尔摩斯先生，比你的有关的说法要好。”
　　 “是的，你的解释很好。无疑，我的想法是不着边际的，但是，你必须承认他们再也找
　　 不到这些银器了。”
　　 “是的，先生，是的。不过这都归功于你。可是，我却受到很大挫折。”
　　 “挫折？”
　　 “是的，福尔摩斯先生。阮达尔一伙强盗今天上午在纽约被捕。”
　　 “哎呀，霍普金！这当然和你的说法——他们昨天夜里在肯特郡杀人，不一致了。”
　　 “正是这样，完全不相符合。不过，除去阮达尔们，还有别的三个一伙的强盗，或者也
　　 许是还未听说过的新强盗。”
　　 “是的，这是完全可能的。你打算怎么办呢？”
　　 “福尔摩斯先生，我要是不把案子弄个水落石出，我是不安心的。你有什么启发给我
　　 吗？”
　　 “我已经告诉你了。”
　　 “是什么呢？”
　　 “我提出那是个。”
　　 “为什么是个，福尔摩斯先生，为什么？”
　　 “当然，这确实是个问题。但是我只不过给你提出这个看法。你也许会觉得这种看法有
　　 些道理。你不留下来吃饭了？那好，再见吧，请告诉我们你的进展情况。”
　　 吃过晚饭，收拾了桌子，福尔摩斯又谈到这个案子。他点上了烟斗，换上拖鞋，把脚放
　　 到燃得很旺的壁炉前。突然他看了一下表。
　　 “华生，我想事态会有新的发展。”
　　 “什么时候？”
　　 “就是现在，几分钟之内。我猜想你一定认为我刚才对待霍普金态度不好。”
　　 “我相信你的判断。”
　　 “华生，你的回答太妙了。你应该这样看，我所了解到的情况是属于非官方的，他所了
　　 解到的是属于官方的。我有权利做出个人的判断，可是他没有。他要把他知道的一切全说出
　　 去，不然的话，他就不忠于职守。在一个还没有定论的案子里，我不想使他处于不利的地
　　 位，所以我保留我所了解到的情况，直到我的看法确定以后再说。”
　　 “什么时候确定呢？”
　　 “时候已经到了。现在请你看这场奇怪的戏剧的最后一幕。”
　　 刚一听到楼梯上有声音，我们的屋门就被打开了，进来的是一个最标准的青年男子。他
　　 的个子很高，长着金黄色的胡须，深蓝色的眼睛，皮肤带着受过热带太阳照射的那种颜色，
　　 步伐是那样敏捷，这足以说明他不但身体强壮而且非常灵活。他随手关好门，就站在那里，
　　 两手握成拳，胸膛一起一伏，努力压制着心中难以控制的感情。
　　 “请坐，船长克洛克。你收到我的电报了吧？”
　　 我们的客人坐到一把扶手椅上，用疑问的眼光逐个望着我们。
　　 “我收到了你的电报，并且按照你的要求准时来了。我听说你去过办公室。我是无法逃
　　 脱了。先说最坏的事吧！你打算把我怎么办？逮捕我？你说啊！你不能坐在那儿和我玩猫捉
　　 老鼠的把戏啊！”
　　 福尔摩斯说：“给他一支雪茄。克洛克船长，抽抽烟，你要控制住自己的感情。如果我
　　 把你当成罪犯，我就不会坐在这儿和你一起抽烟了，这一点你要相信。坦率地把一切都告诉
　　 我，我们可以想些办法。和我耍花招，我便要使你毁灭。”
　　 “你想要我做什么呢？”
　　 “对我老老实实地讲讲昨天晚上格兰其庄园出的事——我提醒你，老老实实地、什么也
　　 不加什么也不减地讲出来。我已经了解到了很多，如果你有半点隐瞒，我就要到窗口吹警
　　 哨，那时我就再也管不了你了。”
　　 这位水手想了一会儿，然后用黧黑的手拍了一下腿。
　　 他喊道：“看我的运起吧！我相信你是言行一致、守信用的人，我告诉你整个经过。但
　　 是有一点我要先说清楚：涉及到我自己，我什么也不后悔，也不害怕，我可以再做一遍这种
　　 事，并且以此自豪。那个该死的家伙，他有几条命，我就弄死他几次！但是，涉及夫人，玛
　　 丽——玛丽·弗莱泽，我不愿意用夫人这个可诅咒的名字称呼她。为了她，我愿意付出我的
　　 生命来换取她美丽的一笑。我一想到使她陷入了困境，我就心神不安。可是，可是我能有什
　　 么别的办法呢？先生们，我告诉你们我的事情，然后请你们设身处地想一想，我有什么别的
　　 办法呢？
　　 “我要从头说起。你好象全知道了，所以我估计你知道我们是在'直布罗陀磐石'号上相
　　 遇的，她是旅客，我是大副。从我遇见她的第一天气，她就成了我心上唯一的人。在航行中
　　 一天一天地我越来越爱她，我曾多次在值夜班的时候在黑暗中跪在甲板上，俯吻着甲板，只
　　 是因为我知道她从那儿走过。她和我没有特别的交往。她象一般妇女那样对待我，我并没有
　　 怨言。爱情只是单独地存在于我这方面，而她的一面只是朋友、友谊。我们分别的时候她仍
　　 是无所牵挂，而我却不再是个自由的人了。
　　 “我第二次航海回来以后，听说她结了婚。当然她可以和她喜爱的人结婚。爵位、金
　　 钱，她是有权享受的。她生来就是应该享受一切美好和高贵的东西。对于她的结婚我并不悲
　　 伤，我不是个自私的家伙。我反而高兴，她交了好运，躲开了一个一文不名的水手。我就是
　　 这样爱玛丽·弗莱泽的。
　　 “我没想到会再遇到她，可是上次航行以后我被提升，而新船还没下海，所以我要和我
　　 的水手们在西顿汉姆等两个月。有一天，我在乡村的一条小道上走着，遇见了她的老女仆，
　　 梯芮萨·瑞特。梯芮萨把她的一切以及她丈夫的一切，全详细地告诉了我。先生们，我告诉
　　 你们，这简直要使我气疯了。那个醉鬼，连舔她的鞋跟都不配，竟敢动手打她。我又一次遇
　　 见了梯芮萨。后来我见到了玛丽本人，以后又见到她一次。往后她不想再见我了。但是有一
　　 天我得到通知要在一周内出海，于是我决定出发以前见她一次。梯芮萨总是帮助我的，因为
　　 她爱玛丽，她象我一样痛恨那个恶棍。梯芮萨告诉了我她们的生活习惯。玛丽经常在楼下自
　　 己的小屋里看书看到很晚。昨天晚上我悄悄地去到那里轻轻敲她的窗户。起初她不肯给我开
　　 窗，但是我知道她内心是爱我的，她不肯让我夜里在外面受冻。她低声对我说，要我拐过去
　　 到正面的大窗户，我拐过去看见窗户开着，我走进餐厅。我又一次听她亲口说出使我非常气
　　 愤的事，我也再一次咒骂那个我心爱的人的野兽。先生们，我和她只是站在窗户后面，
　　 上帝作证，我们是完全清白的，这时那个人象疯子似地冲了进来，用最难听的话骂她，并且
　　 用手中的棍子朝她脸上抡去。我跳过去抓普通条，我们两人品死搏斗起来。请看我的手臂，
　　 他第一下就打中了我。然后该我打了，我象打烂南瓜似地一下将他揍死。你以为我后悔吗？
　　 不，不是他死便是我亡，更重要的是，不是他死便是玛丽死，我怎么能够让玛丽留在一个疯
　　 子的手中呢？这就是我杀死他的过程。是我的错吗？先生们，要是你们二位中有一人处在我
　　 的地位上，又该怎么办呢？
　　 “他打玛丽的时候，玛丽尖叫了一声，梯芮萨听到声音从楼上屋子里下来。餐具柜上有
　　 一啤酒，我打开往玛丽的口里倒了一点，因为她吓得半死。然后我自己也喝了一口。梯芮萨
　　 非常镇静，是我们二人出的主意，我们弄成象强盗杀人似的。梯芮萨一再给她的女主人重复
　　 讲我们编造的故事，而我爬上去切断铃绳。然后我把玛丽绑在椅子上，并把绳子的末端弄成
　　 磨损的样子，不然的话，人们会怀疑强盗怎么会上去割绳子。后来我拿了一些银器，以便装
　　 成庄园遭到抢劫。接着我就走了，并且商量好一刻钟后报警。我把银器丢进水池里，就到西
　　 顿汉姆去了，我感到这是我一生中做的最大的好事。这就是事实，全部事实，福尔摩斯先
　　 生，是不是打算要我偿命呢？”
　　 福尔摩斯默默地抽着烟，有一会儿没讲话。然后他走向我们的客人，并且握住他的手。
　　 他说：“你所说的正是我想到的。我知道你的每一句话全是真实的。只有杂技演员或水
　　 手才能从墙上的托座够到铃绳，只有水手会打那把椅子上的那种绳结。这位夫人只有在那一
　　 次航海旅行时和水手有接触，她既然尽力掩护这个水手，说明水手和她社会地位相同，也说
　　 明她爱这个水手。所以你知道，我一旦抓住正确的线索，找你是极其容易的。”
　　 “原来我以为永远不会识破我们的计谋。”
　　 “我相信那个永远不会。克洛克船长，虽然我承认你是在受到极为严重的挑衅之后
　　 才行动的，可是事情是严重的。我不能肯定你的自卫是否可以算作合法。这要大英帝国陪审
　　 团来决定。可是我非常同情你，因此你可以在二十四小时内逃走，我保证没有人阻拦你。”
　　 “这样就可以没事了？”
　　 “肯定不会有什么事了。”
　　 水手的脸都气红了。
　　 “一个男子汉怎么能提出这样的建议呢？我还懂得一点法律，我知道这样玛丽要被当成
　　 同谋而遭到拘禁。你想我能让她承担后果，而我自己溜掉吗？不，福尔摩斯先生，让他们随
　　 便怎样处置我全行，可是看在上帝面上，请你想办法使玛丽不受审判。”
　　 福尔摩斯向这位水手第二次伸过手去。
　　 “我只是试探你一下，这次你又经受住了考验。不过，我要承担很大的责任。我已经启
　　 发过霍普金，如果他不善于思考，我就不再管了。克洛克船长，是这样，我们将按照法律的
　　 适当形式予以解决。克洛克船长，你是犯人。华生，你是一位英国陪审员，你当陪审员最合
　　 适了。我是法官。陪审员先生们，你们已经听取了证词。你们认为这个犯人有罪还是无
　　 罪？”
　　 我说：“无罪，法官大人。”
　　 “人民的呼声便是上帝的呼声。克洛克船长，你可以退堂了。只要法律不能找出其他受
　　 害者，我保证你的安全。过一年后你再回到这位妇女身边，但愿她的未来和你的未来都能证
　　 明我们今夜作出的判决是正确的。"

　　It was on a bitterly cold and frosty morning during the winter of '97 that I was awakened by a tugging at my shoulder. It was Holmes. The candle in his hand shone upon his eager, stooping face and told me at a glance that something was amiss.
　　
　　"Come, Watson, come!" he cried. "The game is afoot. Not a word! Into your clothes and come!"
　　
　　Ten minutes later we were both in a cab and rattling through the silent streets on our way to Charing Cross Station. The first faint winter's dawn was beginning to appear, and we could dimly see the occasional figure of an early workman as he passed us, blurred and indistinct in the opalescent London reek. Holmes nestled in silence into his heavy coat, and I was glad to do the same, for the air was most bitter and neither of us had broken our fast. It was not until we had consumed some hot tea at the station, and taken our places in the Kentish train, that we were sufficiently thawed, he to speak and I to listen. Holmes drew a note from his pocket and read it aloud:--
　　
　　"Abbey Grange, Marsham, Kent, "3.30 a.m. "MY DEAR MR. HOLMES, --- I should be very glad of your immediate assistance in what promises to be a most remarkable case. It is something quite in your line. Except for releasing the lady I will see that everything is kept exactly as I have found it, but I beg you not to lose an instant, as it is difficult to leave Sir Eustace there. "Yours faithfully, STANLEY HOPKINS."
　　
　　"Hopkins has called me in seven times, and on each occasion his summons has been entirely justified," said Holmes. "I fancy that every one of his cases has found its way into your collection, and I must admit, Watson, that you have some power of selection which atones for much which I deplore in your narratives. Your fatal habit of looking at everything from the point of view of a story instead of as a scientific exercise has ruined what might have been an instructive and even classical series of demonstrations. You slur over work of the utmost finesse and delicacy in order to dwell upon sensational details which may excite, but cannot possibly instruct, the reader."
　　
　　"Why do you not write them yourself?" I said, with some bitterness.
　　
　　"I will, my dear Watson, I will. At present I am, as you know, fairly busy, but I propose to devote my declining years to the composition of a text-book which shall focus the whole art of detection into one volume. Our present research appears to be a case of murder."
　　
　　"You think this Sir Eustace is dead, then?"
　　
　　"I should say so. Hopkins's writing shows considerable agitation, and he is not an emotional man. Yes, I gather there has been violence, and that the body is left for our inspection. A mere suicide would not have caused him to send for me. As to the release of the lady, it would appear that she has been locked in her room during the tragedy. We are moving in high life, Watson; crackling paper, `E.B.' monogram, coat-of-arms, picturesque address. I think that friend Hopkins will live up to his reputation and that we shall have an interesting morning. The crime was committed before twelve last night."
　　
　　"How can you possibly tell?"
　　
　　"By an inspection of the trains and by reckoning the time. The local police had to be called in, they had to communicate with Scotland Yard, Hopkins had to go out, and he in turn had to send for me. All that makes a fair night's work. Well, here we are at Chislehurst Station, and we shall soon set our doubts at rest."
　　
　　A drive of a couple of miles through narrow country lanes brought us to a park gate, which was opened for us by an old lodge-keeper, whose haggard face bore the reflection of some great disaster. The avenue ran through a noble park, between lines of ancient elms, and ended in a low, widespread house, pillared in front after the fashion of Palladio. The central part was evidently of a great age and shrouded in ivy, but the large windows showed that modern changes had been carried out, and one wing of the house appeared to be entirely new. The youthful figure and alert, eager face of Inspector Stanley Hopkins confronted us in the open doorway.
　　
　　"I'm very glad you have come, Mr. Holmes. And you too, Dr. Watson! But, indeed, if I had my time over again I should not have troubled you, for since the lady has come to herself she has given so clear an account of the affair that there is not much left for us to do. You remember that Lewisham gang of burglars?"
　　
　　"What, the three Randalls?"
　　
　　"Exactly; the father and two sons. It's their work. I have not a doubt of it. They did a job at Sydenham a fortnight ago, and were seen and described. Rather cool to do another so soon and so near, but it is they, beyond all doubt. It's a hanging matter this time."
　　
　　"Sir Eustace is dead, then?"
　　
　　"Yes; his head was knocked in with his own poker."
　　
　　"Sir Eustace Brackenstall, the driver tells me."
　　
　　"Exactly -- one of the richest men in Kent. Lady Brackenstall is in the morning-room. Poor lady, she has had a most dreadful experience. She seemed half dead when I saw her first. I think you had best see her and hear her account of the facts. Then we will examine the dining-room together."
　　
　　Lady Brackenstall was no ordinary person. Seldom have I seen so graceful a figure, so womanly a presence, and so beautiful a face. She was a blonde, golden-haired, blue-eyed, and would, no doubt, have had the perfect complexion which goes with such colouring had not her recent experience left her drawn and haggard. Her sufferings were physical as well as mental, for over one eye rose a hideous, plum-coloured swelling, which her maid, a tall, austere woman, was bathing assiduously with vinegar and water. The lady lay back exhausted upon a couch, but her quick, observant gaze as we entered the room, and the alert expression of her beautiful features, showed that neither her wits nor her courage had been shaken by her terrible experience. She was enveloped in a loose dressing-gown of blue and silver, but a black sequin-covered dinner-dress was hung upon the couch beside her.
　　
　　"I have told you all that happened, Mr. Hopkins," she said, wearily; "could you not repeat it for me? Well, if you think it necessary, I will tell these gentlemen what occurred. Have they been in the dining-room yet?"
　　
　　"I thought they had better hear your ladyship's story first."
　　
　　"I shall be glad when you can arrange matters. It is horrible to me to think of him still lying there." She shuddered and buried her face in her hands. As she did so the loose gown fell back from her forearms. Holmes uttered an exclamation.
　　
　　"You have other injuries, madam! What is this?" Two vivid red spots stood out on one of the white, round limbs. She hastily covered it.
　　
　　"It is nothing. It has no connection with the hideous business of last night. If you and your friend will sit down I will tell you all I can.
　　
　　"I am the wife of Sir Eustace Brackenstall. I have been married about a year. I suppose that it is no use my attempting to conceal that our marriage has not been a happy one. I fear that all our neighbours would tell you that, even if I were to attempt to deny it. Perhaps the fault may be partly mine. I was brought up in the freer, less conventional atmosphere of South Australia, and this English life, with its proprieties and its primness, is not congenial to me. But the main reason lies in the one fact which is notorious to everyone, and that is that Sir Eustace was a confirmed drunkard. To be with such a man for an hour is unpleasant. Can you imagine what it means for a sensitive and high-spirited woman to be tied to him for day and night? It is a sacrilege, a crime, a villainy to hold that such a marriage is binding. I say that these monstrous laws of yours will bring a curse upon the land -- Heaven will not let such wickedness endure." For an instant she sat up, her cheeks flushed, and her eyes blazing from under the terrible mark upon her brow. Then the strong, soothing hand of the austere maid drew her head down on to the cushion, and the wild anger died away into passionate sobbing. At last she continued:--
　　
　　"I will tell you about last night. You are aware, perhaps, that in this house all servants sleep in the modern wing. This central block is made up of the dwelling-rooms, with the kitchen behind and our bedroom above. My maid Theresa sleeps above my room. There is no one else, and no sound could alarm those who are in the farther wing. This must have been well known to the robbers, or they would not have acted as they did.
　　
　　"Sir Eustace retired about half-past ten. The servants had already gone to their quarters. Only my maid was up, and she had remained in her room at the top of the house until I needed her services. I sat until after eleven in this room, absorbed in a book. Then I walked round to see that all was right before I went upstairs. It was my custom to do this myself, for, as I have explained, Sir Eustace was not always to be trusted. I went into the kitchen, the butler's pantry, the gun-room, the billiard-room, the drawing-room, and finally the dining-room. As I approached the window, which is covered with thick curtains, I suddenly felt the wind blow upon my face and realized that it was open. I flung the curtain aside and found myself face to face with a broad-shouldered, elderly man who had just stepped into the room. The window is a long French one, which really forms a door leading to the lawn. I held my bedroom candle lit in my hand, and, by its light, behind the first man I saw two others, who were in the act of entering. I stepped back, but the fellow was on me in an instant. He caught me first by the wrist and then by the throat. I opened my mouth to scream, but he struck me a savage blow with his fist over the eye, and felled me to the ground. I must have been unconscious for a few minutes, for when I came to myself I found that they had torn down the bell-rope and had secured me tightly to the oaken chair which stands at the head of the dining-room table. I was so firmly bound that I could not move, and a handkerchief round my mouth prevented me from uttering any sound. It was at this instant that my unfortunate husband entered the room. He had evidently heard some suspicious sounds, and he came prepared for such a scene as he found. He was dressed in his shirt and trousers, with his favourite blackthorn cudgel in his hand. He rushed at one of the burglars, but another -- it was the elderly man -- stooped, picked the poker out of the grate, and struck him a horrible blow as he passed. He fell without a groan, and never moved again. I fainted once more, but again it could only have been a very few minutes during which I was insensible. When I opened my eyes I found that they had collected the silver from the sideboard, and they had drawn a bottle of wine which stood there. Each of them had a glass in his hand. I have already told you, have I not, that one was elderly, with a beard, and the others young, hairless lads. They might have been a father with his two sons. They talked together in whispers. Then they came over and made sure that I was still securely bound. Finally they withdrew, closing the window after them. It was quite a quarter of an hour before I got my mouth free. When I did so my screams brought the maid to my assistance. The other servants were soon alarmed, and we sent for the local police, who instantly communicated with London. That is really all that I can tell you, gentlemen, and I trust that it will not be necessary for me to go over so painful a story again."
　　
　　"Any questions, Mr. Holmes?" asked Hopkins.
　　
　　"I will not impose any further tax upon Lady Brackenstall's patience and time," said Holmes. "Before I go into the dining-room I should like to hear your experience." He looked at the maid.
　　
　　"I saw the men before ever they came into the house," said she. "As I sat by my bedroom window I saw three men in the moonlight down by the lodge gate yonder, but I thought nothing of it at the time. It was more than an hour after that I heard my mistress scream, and down I ran, to find her, poor lamb, just as she says, and him on the floor with his blood and brains over the room. It was enough to drive a woman out of her wits, tied there, and her very dress spotted with him; but she never wanted courage, did Miss Mary Fraser of Adelaide, and Lady Brackenstall of Abbey Grange hasn't learned new ways. You've questioned her long enough, you gentlemen, and now she is coming to her own room, just with her old Theresa, to get the rest that she badly needs."
　　
　　With a motherly tenderness the gaunt woman put her arm round her mistress and led her from the room.
　　
　　"She has been with her all her life," said Hopkins. "Nursed her as a baby, and came with her to England when they first left Australia eighteen months ago. Theresa Wright is her name, and the kind of maid you don't pick up nowadays. This way, Mr. Holmes, if you please!"
　　
　　The keen interest had passed out of Holmes's expressive face, and I knew that with the mystery all the charm of the case had departed. There still remained an arrest to be effected, but what were these commonplace rogues that he should soil his hands with them? An abstruse and learned specialist who finds that he has been called in for a case of measles would experience something of the annoyance which I read in my friend's eyes. Yet the scene in the dining-room of the Abbey Grange was sufficiently strange to arrest his attention and to recall his waning interest.
　　
　　It was a very large and high chamber, with carved oak ceiling, oaken panelling, and a fine array of deer's heads and ancient weapons around the walls. At the farther end from the door was the high French window of which we had heard. Three smaller windows on the right-hand side filled the apartment with cold winter sunshine. On the left was a large, deep fireplace, with a massive, over-hanging oak mantelpiece. Beside the fireplace was a heavy oaken chair with arms and cross-bars at the bottom. In and out through the open woodwork was woven a crimson cord, which was secured at each side to the crosspiece below. In releasing the lady the cord had been slipped off her, but the knots with which it had been secured still remained. These details only struck our attention afterwards, for our thoughts were entirely absorbed by the terrible object which lay upon the tiger-skin hearthrug in front of the fire.
　　
　　It was the body of a tall, well-made man, about forty years of age. He lay upon his back, his face upturned, with his white teeth grinning through his short black beard. His two clenched hands were raised above his head, and a heavy blackthorn stick lay across them. His dark, handsome, aquiline features were convulsed into a spasm of vindictive hatred, which had set his dead face in a terribly fiendish expression. He had evidently been in his bed when the alarm had broken out, for he wore a foppish embroidered night-shirt, and his bare feet projected from his trousers. His head was horribly injured, and the whole room bore witness to the savage ferocity of the blow which had struck him down. Beside him lay the heavy poker, bent into a curve by the concussion. Holmes examined both it and the indescribable wreck which it had wrought.
　　
　　"He must be a powerful man, this elder Randall," he remarked.
　　
　　"Yes," said Hopkins. "I have some record of the fellow, and he is a rough customer."
　　
　　"You should have no difficulty in getting him."
　　
　　"Not the slightest. We have been on the look-out for him, and there was some idea that he had got away to America. Now that we know the gang are here I don't see how they can escape. We have the news at every seaport already, and a reward will be offered before evening. What beats me is how they could have done so mad a thing, knowing that the lady could describe them, and that we could not fail to recognise the description."
　　
　　"Exactly. One would have expected that they would have silenced Lady Brackenstall as well."
　　
　　"They may not have realized," I suggested, "that she had recovered from her faint."
　　
　　"That is likely enough. If she seemed to be senseless they would not take her life. What about this poor fellow, Hopkins? I seem to have heard some queer stories about him."
　　
　　"He was a good-hearted man when he was sober, but a perfect fiend when he was drunk, or rather when he was half drunk, for he seldom really went the whole way. The devil seemed to be in him at such times, and he was capable of anything. From what I hear, in spite of all his wealth and his title, he very nearly came our way once or twice. There was a scandal about his drenching a dog with petroleum and setting it on fire -- her ladyship's dog, to make the matter worse -- and that was only hushed up with difficulty. Then he threw a decanter at that maid, Theresa Wright; there was trouble about that. On the whole, and between ourselves, it will be a brighter house without him. What are you looking at now?"
　　
　　Holmes was down on his knees examining with great attention the knots upon the red cord with which the lady had been secured. Then he carefully scrutinized the broken and frayed end where it had snapped off when the burglar had dragged it down.
　　
　　"When this was pulled down the bell in the kitchen must have rung loudly," he remarked.
　　
　　"No one could hear it. The kitchen stands right at the back of the house."
　　
　　"How did the burglar know no one would hear it? How dared he pull at a bell-rope in that reckless fashion?"
　　
　　"Exactly, Mr. Holmes, exactly. You put the very question which I have asked myself again and again. There can be no doubt that this fellow must have known the house and its habits. He must have perfectly understood that the servants would all be in bed at that comparatively early hour, and that no one could possibly hear a bell ring in the kitchen. Therefore he must have been in close league with one of the servants. Surely that is evident. But there are eight servants, and all of good character."
　　
　　"Other things being equal," said Holmes, "one would suspect the one at whose head the master threw a decanter. And yet that would involve treachery towards the mistress to whom this woman seems devoted. Well, well, the point is a minor one, and when you have Randall you will probably find no difficulty in securing his accomplice. The lady's story certainly seems to be corroborated, if it needed corroboration, by every detail which we see before us." He walked to the French window and threw it open. "There are no signs here, but the ground is iron hard, and one would not expect them. I see that these candles on the mantelpiece have been lighted."
　　
　　"Yes; it was by their light and that of the lady's bedroom candle that the burglars saw their way about."
　　
　　"And what did they take?"
　　
　　"Well, they did not take much -- only half-a-dozen articles of plate off the sideboard. Lady Brackenstall thinks that they were themselves so disturbed by the death of Sir Eustace that they did not ransack the house as they would otherwise have done."
　　
　　"No doubt that is true. And yet they drank some wine, I understand."
　　
　　"To steady their own nerves."
　　
　　"Exactly. These three glasses upon the sideboard have been untouched, I suppose?"
　　
　　"Yes; and the bottle stands as they left it."
　　
　　"Let us look at it. Halloa! halloa! what is this?"
　　
　　The three glasses were grouped together, all of them tinged with wine, and one of them containing some dregs of bees-wing. The bottle stood near them, two-thirds full, and beside it lay a long, deeply-stained cork. Its appearance and the dust upon the bottle showed that it was no common vintage which the murderers had enjoyed.
　　
　　A change had come over Holmes's manner. He had lost his listless expression, and again I saw an alert light of interest in his keen, deep-set eyes. He raised the cork and examined it minutely.
　　
　　"How did they draw it?" he asked.
　　
　　Hopkins pointed to a half-opened drawer. In it lay some table linen and a large cork-screw.
　　
　　"Did Lady Brackenstall say that screw was used?"
　　
　　"No; you remember that she was senseless at the moment when the bottle was opened."
　　
　　"Quite so. As a matter of fact that screw was NOT used. This bottle was opened by a pocket-screw, probably contained in a knife, and not more than an inch and a half long. If you examine the top of the cork you will observe that the screw was driven in three times before the cork was extracted. It has never been transfixed. This long screw would have transfixed it and drawn it with a single pull. When you catch this fellow you will find that he has one of these multiplex knives in his possession."
　　
　　"Excellent!" said Hopkins.
　　
　　"But these glasses do puzzle me, I confess. Lady Brackenstall actually SAW the three men drinking, did she not?"
　　
　　"Yes; she was clear about that."
　　
　　"Then there is an end of it. What more is to be said? And yet you must admit that the three glasses are very remarkable, Hopkins. What, you see nothing remarkable! Well, well, let it pass. Perhaps when a man has special knowledge and special powers like my own it rather encourages him to seek a complex explanation when a simpler one is at hand. Of course, it must be a mere chance about the glasses. Well, good morning, Hopkins. I don't see that I can be of any use to you, and you appear to have your case very clear. You will let me know when Randall is arrested, and any further developments which may occur. I trust that I shall soon have to congratulate you upon a successful conclusion. Come, Watson, I fancy that we may employ ourselves more profitably at home."
　　
　　During our return journey I could see by Holmes's face that he was much puzzled by something which he had observed. Every now and then, by an effort, he would throw off the impression and talk as if the matter were clear, but then his doubts would settle down upon him again, and his knitted brows and abstracted eyes would show that his thoughts had gone back once more to the great dining-room of the Abbey Grange in which this midnight tragedy had been enacted. At last, by a sudden impulse, just as our train was crawling out of a suburban station, he sprang on to the platform and pulled me out after him.
　　
　　"Excuse me, my dear fellow," said he, as we watched the rear carriages of our train disappearing round a curve; "I am sorry to make you the victim of what may seem a mere whim, but on my life, Watson, I simply CAN'T leave that case in this condition. Every instinct that I possess cries out against it. It's wrong -- it's all wrong -- I'll swear that it's wrong. And yet the lady's story was complete, the maid's corroboration was sufficient, the detail was fairly exact. What have I to put against that? Three wine-glasses, that is all. But if I had not taken things for granted, if I had examined everything with care which I would have shown had we approached the case DE NOVO and had no cut-and-dried story to warp my mind, would I not then have found something more definite to go upon? Of course I should. Sit down on this bench, Watson, until a train for Chislehurst arrives, and allow me to lay the evidence before you, imploring you in the first instance to dismiss from your mind the idea that anything which the maid or her mistress may have said must necessarily be true. The lady's charming personality must not be permitted to warp our judgment.
　　
　　"Surely there are details in her story which, if we looked at it in cold blood, would excite our suspicion. These burglars made a considerable haul at Sydenham a fortnight ago. Some account of them and of their appearance was in the papers, and would naturally occur to anyone who wished to invent a story in which imaginary robbers should play a part. As a matter of fact, burglars who have done a good stroke of business are, as a rule, only too glad to enjoy the proceeds in peace and quiet without embarking on another perilous undertaking. Again, it is unusual for burglars to operate at so early an hour; it is unusual for burglars to strike a lady to prevent her screaming, since one would imagine that was the sure way to make her scream; it is unusual for them to commit murder when their numbers are sufficient to overpower one man; it is unusual for them to be content with a limited plunder when there is much more within their reach; and finally I should say that it was very unusual for such men to leave a bottle half empty. How do all these unusuals strike you, Watson?"
　　
　　"Their cumulative effect is certainly considerable, and yet each of them is quite possible in itself. The most unusual thing of all, as it seems to me, is that the lady should be tied to the chair."
　　
　　"Well, I am not so clear about that, Watson; for it is evident that they must either kill her or else secure her in such a way that she could not give immediate notice of their escape. But at any rate I have shown, have I not, that there is a certain element of improbability about the lady's story? And now on the top of this comes the incident of the wine-glasses."
　　
　　"What about the wine-glasses?"
　　
　　"Can you see them in your mind's eye?"
　　
　　"I see them clearly."
　　
　　"We are told that three men drank from them. Does that strike you as likely?"
　　
　　"Why not? There was wine in each glass."
　　
　　"Exactly; but there was bees-wing only in one glass. You must have noticed that fact. What does that suggest to your mind?"
　　
　　"The last glass filled would be most likely to contain bees-wing."
　　
　　"Not at all. The bottle was full of it, and it is inconceivable that the first two glasses were clear and the third heavily charged with it. There are two possible explanations, and only two. One is that after the second glass was filled the bottle was violently agitated, and so the third glass received the bees-wing. That does not appear probable. No, no; I am sure that I am right."
　　
　　"What, then, do you suppose?"
　　
　　"That only two glasses were used, and that the dregs of both were poured into a third glass, so as to give the false impression that three people had been here. In that way all the bees-wing would be in the last glass, would it not? Yes, I am convinced that this is so. But if I have hit upon the true explanation of this one small phenomenon, then in an instant the case rises from the commonplace to the exceedingly remarkable, for it can only mean that Lady Brackenstall and her maid have deliberately lied to us, that not one word of their story is to be believed, that they have some very strong reason for covering the real criminal, and that we must construct our case for ourselves without any help from them. That is the mission which now lies before us, and here, Watson, is the Chislehurst train."
　　
　　The household of the Abbey Grange were much surprised at our return, but Sherlock Holmes, finding that Stanley Hopkins had gone off to report to head-quarters, took possession of the dining-room, locked the door upon the inside, and devoted himself for two hours to one of those minute and laborious investigations which formed the solid basis on which his brilliant edifices of deduction were reared. Seated in a corner like an interested student who observes the demonstration of his professor, I followed every step of that remarkable research. The window, the curtains, the carpet, the chair, the rope -- each in turn was minutely examined and duly pondered. The body of the unfortunate baronet had been removed, but all else remained as we had seen it in the morning. Then, to my astonishment, Holmes climbed up on to the massive mantelpiece. Far above his head hung the few inches of red cord which were still attached to the wire. For a long time he gazed upward at it, and then in an attempt to get nearer to it he rested his knee upon a wooden bracket on the wall. This brought his hand within a few inches of the broken end of the rope, but it was not this so much as the bracket itself which seemed to engage his attention. Finally he sprang down with an ejaculation of satisfaction.
　　
　　"It's all right, Watson," said he. "We have got our case -- one of the most remarkable in our collection. But, dear me, how slow-witted I have been, and how nearly I have committed the blunder of my lifetime! Now, I think that with a few missing links my chain is almost complete."
　　
　　"You have got your men?"
　　
　　"Man, Watson, man. Only one, but a very formidable person. Strong as a lion -- witness the blow that bent that poker. Six foot three in height, active as a squirrel, dexterous with his fingers; finally, remarkably quick-witted, for this whole ingenious story is of his concoction. Yes, Watson, we have come upon the handiwork of a very remarkable individual. And yet in that bell-rope he has given us a clue which should not have left us a doubt."
　　
　　"Where was the clue?"
　　
　　"Well, if you were to pull down a bell-rope, Watson, where would you expect it to break? Surely at the spot where it is attached to the wire. Why should it break three inches from the top as this one has done?"
　　
　　"Because it is frayed there?"
　　
　　"Exactly. This end, which we can examine, is frayed. He was cunning enough to do that with his knife. But the other end is not frayed. You could not observe that from here, but if you were on the mantelpiece you would see that it is cut clean off without any mark of fraying whatever. You can reconstruct what occurred. The man needed the rope. He would not tear it down for fear of giving the alarm by ringing the bell. What did he do? He sprang up on the mantelpiece, could not quite reach it, put his knee on the bracket -- you will see the impression in the dust -- and so got his knife to bear upon the cord. I could not reach the place by at least three inches, from which I infer that he is at least three inches a bigger man than I. Look at that mark upon the seat of the oaken chair! What is it?"
　　
　　"Blood."
　　
　　"Undoubtedly it is blood. This alone puts the lady's story out of court. If she were seated on the chair when the crime was done, how comes that mark? No, no; she was placed in the chair AFTER the death of her husband. I'll wager that the black dress shows a corresponding mark to this. We have not yet met our Waterloo, Watson, but this is our Marengo, for it begins in defeat and ends in victory. I should like now to have a few words with the nurse Theresa. We must be wary for awhile, if we are to get the information which we want."
　　
　　She was an interesting person, this stern Australian nurse. Taciturn, suspicious, ungracious, it took some time before Holmes's pleasant manner and frank acceptance of all that she said thawed her into a corresponding amiability. She did not attempt to conceal her hatred for her late employer.
　　
　　"Yes, sir, it is true that he threw the decanter at me. I heard him call my mistress a name, and I told him that he would not dare to speak so if her brother had been there. Then it was that he threw it at me. He might have thrown a dozen if he had but left my bonny bird alone. He was for ever illtreating her, and she too proud to complain. She will not even tell me all that he has done to her. She never told me of those marks on her arm that you saw this morning, but I know very well that they come from a stab with a hat-pin. The sly fiend -- Heaven forgive me that I should speak of him so, now that he is dead, but a fiend he was if ever one walked the earth. He was all honey when first we met him, only eighteen months ago, and we both feel as if it were eighteen years. She had only just arrived in London. Yes, it was her first voyage -- she had never been from home before. He won her with his title and his money and his false London ways. If she made a mistake she has paid for it, if ever a woman did. What month did we meet him? Well, I tell you it was just after we arrived. We arrived in June, and it was July. They were married in January of last year. Yes, she is down in the morning-room again, and I have no doubt she will see you, but you must not ask too much of her, for she has gone through all that flesh and blood will stand."
　　
　　Lady Brackenstall was reclining on the same couch, but looked brighter than before. The maid had entered with us, and began once more to foment the bruise upon her mistress's brow.
　　
　　"I hope," said the lady, "that you have not come to cross-examine me again?"
　　
　　"No," Holmes answered, in his gentlest voice, "I will not cause you any unnecessary trouble, Lady Brackenstall, and my whole desire is to make things easy for you, for I am convinced that you are a much-tried woman. If you will treat me as a friend and trust me you may find that I will justify your trust."
　　
　　"What do you want me to do?"
　　
　　"To tell me the truth."
　　
　　"Mr. Holmes!"
　　
　　"No, no, Lady Brackenstall, it is no use. You may have heard of any little reputation which I possess. I will stake it all on the fact that your story is an absolute fabrication."
　　
　　Mistress and maid were both staring at Holmes with pale faces and frightened eyes.
　　
　　"You are an impudent fellow!" cried Theresa. "Do you mean to say that my mistress has told a lie?"
　　
　　Holmes rose from his chair.
　　
　　"Have you nothing to tell me?"
　　
　　"I have told you everything."
　　
　　"Think once more, Lady Brackenstall. Would it not be better to be frank?"
　　
　　For an instant there was hesitation in her beautiful face. Then some new strong thought caused it to set like a mask.
　　
　　"I have told you all I know."
　　
　　Holmes took his hat and shrugged his shoulders. "I am sorry," he said, and without another word we left the room and the house. There was a pond in the park, and to this my friend led the way. It was frozen over, but a single hole was left for the convenience of a solitary swan. Holmes gazed at it and then passed on to the lodge gate. There he scribbled a short note for Stanley Hopkins and left it with the lodge-keeper.
　　
　　"It may be a hit or it may be a miss, but we are bound to do something for friend Hopkins, just to justify this second visit," said he. "I will not quite take him into my confidence yet. I think our next scene of operations must be the shipping office of the Adelaide-Southampton line, which stands at the end of Pall Mall, if I remember right. There is a second line of steamers which connect South Australia with England, but we will draw the larger cover first."
　　
　　Holmes's card sent in to the manager ensured instant attention, and he was not long in acquiring all the information which he needed. In June of '95 only one of their line had reached a home port. It was the ROCK OF GIBRALTAR, their largest and best boat. A reference to the passenger list showed that Miss Fraser of Adelaide, with her maid, had made the voyage in her. The boat was now on her way to Australia, somewhere to the south of the Suez Canal. Her officers were the same as in '95, with one exception. The first officer, Mr. Jack Croker, had been made a captain and was to take charge of their new ship, the BASS ROCK, sailing in two days' time from Southampton. He lived at Sydenham, but he was likely to be in that morning for instructions, if we cared to wait for him.
　　
　　No; Mr. Holmes had no desire to see him, but would be glad to know more about his record and character.
　　
　　His record was magnificent. There was not an officer in the fleet to touch him. As to his character, he was reliable on duty, but a wild, desperate fellow off the deck of his ship, hot-headed, excitable, but loyal, honest, and kind-hearted. That was the pith of the information with which Holmes left the office of the Adelaide-Southampton company. Thence he drove to Scotland Yard, but instead of entering he sat in his cab with his brows drawn down, lost in profound thought. Finally he drove round to the Charing Cross telegraph office, sent off a message, and then, at last, we made for Baker Street once more.
　　
　　"No, I couldn't do it, Watson," said he, as we re-entered our room. "Once that warrant was made out nothing on earth would save him. Once or twice in my career I feel that I have done more real harm by my discovery of the criminal than ever he had done by his crime. I have learned caution now, and I had rather play tricks with the law of England than with my own conscience. Let us know a little more before we act."
　　
　　Before evening we had a visit from Inspector Stanley Hopkins. Things were not going very well with him.
　　
　　"I believe that you are a wizard, Mr. Holmes. I really do sometimes think that you have powers that are not human. Now, how on earth could you know that the stolen silver was at the bottom of that pond?"
　　
　　"I didn't know it."
　　
　　"But you told me to examine it."
　　
　　"You got it, then?"
　　
　　"Yes, I got it."
　　
　　"I am very glad if I have helped you."
　　
　　"But you haven't helped me. You have made the affair far more difficult. What sort of burglars are they who steal silver and then throw it into the nearest pond?"
　　
　　"It was certainly rather eccentric behaviour. I was merely going on the idea that if the silver had been taken by persons who did not want it, who merely took it for a blind as it were, then they would naturally be anxious to get rid of it."
　　
　　"But why should such an idea cross your mind?"
　　
　　"Well, I thought it was possible. When they came out through the French window there was the pond, with one tempting little hole in the ice, right in front of their noses. Could there be a better hiding-place?"
　　
　　"Ah, a hiding-place -- that is better!" cried Stanley Hopkins. "Yes, yes, I see it all now! It was early, there were folk upon the roads, they were afraid of being seen with the silver, so they sank it in the pond, intending to return for it when the coast was clear. Excellent, Mr. Holmes -- that is better than your idea of a blind."
　　
　　"Quite so; you have got an admirable theory. I have no doubt that my own ideas were quite wild, but you must admit that they have ended in discovering the silver."
　　
　　"Yes, sir, yes. It was all your doing. But I have had a bad set-back."
　　
　　"A set-back?"
　　
　　"Yes, Mr. Holmes. The Randall gang were arrested in New York this morning."
　　
　　"Dear me, Hopkins! That is certainly rather against your theory that they committed a murder in Kent last night."
　　
　　"It is fatal, Mr. Holmes, absolutely fatal. Still, there are other gangs of three besides the Randalls, or it may be some new gang of which the police have never heard."
　　
　　"Quite so; it is perfectly possible. What, are you off?"
　　
　　Yes, Mr. Holmes; there is no rest for me until I have got to the bottom of the business. I suppose you have no hint to give me?"
　　
　　"I have given you one."
　　
　　"Which?"
　　
　　"Well, I suggested a blind."
　　
　　"But why, Mr. Holmes, why?"
　　
　　"Ah, that's the question, of course. But I commend the idea to your mind. You might possibly find that there was something in it. You won't stop for dinner? Well, good-bye, and let us know how you get on."
　　
　　Dinner was over and the table cleared before Holmes alluded to the matter again. He had lit his pipe and held his slippered feet to the cheerful blaze of the fire. Suddenly he looked at his watch.
　　
　　"I expect developments, Watson."
　　
　　"When?"
　　
　　"Now -- within a few minutes. I dare say you thought I acted rather badly to Stanley Hopkins just now?"
　　
　　"I trust your judgment."
　　
　　"A very sensible reply, Watson. You must look at it this way: what I know is unofficial; what he knows is official. I have the right to private judgment, but he has none. He must disclose all, or he is a traitor to his service. In a doubtful case I would not put him in so painful a position, and so I reserve my information until my own mind is clear upon the matter."
　　
　　"But when will that be?"
　　
　　"The time has come. You will now be present at the last scene of a remarkable little drama."
　　
　　There was a sound upon the stairs, and our door was opened to admit as fine a specimen of manhood as ever passed through it. He was a very tall young man, golden-moustached, blue-eyed, with a skin which had been burned by tropical suns, and a springy step which showed that the huge frame was as active as it was strong. He closed the door behind him, and then he stood with clenched hands and heaving breast, choking down some overmastering emotion.
　　
　　"Sit down, Captain Croker. You got my telegram?"
　　
　　Our visitor sank into an arm-chair and looked from one to the other of us with questioning eyes.
　　
　　"I got your telegram, and I came at the hour you said. I heard that you had been down to the office. There was no getting away from you. Let's hear the worst. What are you going to do with me? Arrest me? Speak out, man! You can't sit there and play with me like a cat with a mouse."
　　
　　"Give him a cigar," said Holmes. "Bite on that, Captain Croker, and don't let your nerves run away with you. I should not sit here smoking with you if I thought that you were a common criminal, you may be sure of that. Be frank with me, and we may do some good. Play tricks with me, and I'll crush you."
　　
　　"What do you wish me to do?"
　　
　　"To give me a true account of all that happened at the Abbey Grange last night -- a TRUE account, mind you, with nothing added and nothing taken off. I know so much already that if you go one inch off the straight I'll blow this police whistle from my window and the affair goes out of my hands for ever."
　　
　　The sailor thought for a little. Then he struck his leg with his great, sun-burned hand.
　　
　　"I'll chance it," he cried. "I believe you are a man of your word, and a white man, and I'll tell you the whole story. But one thing I will say first. So far as I am concerned I regret nothing and I fear nothing, and I would do it all again and be proud of the job. Curse the beast, if he had as many lives as a cat he would owe them all to me! But it's the lady, Mary -- Mary Fraser -- for never will I call her by that accursed name. When I think of getting her into trouble, I who would give my life just to bring one smile to her dear face, it's that that turns my soul into water. And yet -- and yet -- what less could I do? I'll tell you my story, gentlemen, and then I'll ask you as man to man what less could I do.
　　
　　"I must go back a bit. You seem to know everything, so I expect that you know that I met her when she was a passenger and I was first officer of the ROCK OF GIBRALTAR. From the first day I met her she was the only woman to me. Every day of that voyage I loved her more, and many a time since have I kneeled down in the darkness of the night watch and kissed the deck of that ship because I knew her dear feet had trod it. She was never engaged to me. She treated me as fairly as ever a woman treated a man. I have no complaint to make. It was all love on my side, and all good comradeship and friendship on hers. When we parted she was a free woman, but I could never again be a free man.
　　
　　"Next time I came back from sea I heard of her marriage. Well, why shouldn't she marry whom she liked? Title and money -- who could carry them better than she? She was born for all that is beautiful and dainty. I didn't grieve over her marriage. I was not such a selfish hound as that. I just rejoiced that good luck had come her way, and that she had not thrown herself away on a penniless sailor. That's how I loved Mary Fraser.
　　
　　"Well, I never thought to see her again; but last voyage I was promoted, and the new boat was not yet launched, so I had to wait for a couple of months with my people at Sydenham. One day out in a country lane I met Theresa Wright, her old maid. She told me about her, about him, about everything. I tell you, gentlemen, it nearly drove me mad. This drunken hound, that he should dare to raise his hand to her whose boots he was not worthy to lick! I met Theresa again. Then I met Mary herself -- and met her again. Then she would meet me no more. But the other day I had a notice that I was to start on my voyage within a week, and I determined that I would see her once before I left. Theresa was always my friend, for she loved Mary and hated this villain almost as much as I did. From her I learned the ways of the house. Mary used to sit up reading in her own little room downstairs. I crept round there last night and scratched at the window. At first she would not open to me, but in her heart I know that now she loves me, and she could not leave me in the frosty night. She whispered to me to come round to the big front window, and I found it open before me so as to let me into the dining-room. Again I heard from her own lips things that made my blood boil, and again I cursed this brute who mishandled the woman that I loved. Well, gentlemen, I was standing with her just inside the window, in all innocence, as Heaven is my judge, when he rushed like a madman into the room, called her the vilest name that a man could use to a woman, and welted her across the face with the stick he had in his hand. I had sprung for the poker, and it was a fair fight between us. See here on my arm where his first blow fell. Then it was my turn, and I went through him as if he had been a rotten pumpkin. Do you think I was sorry? Not I! It was his life or mine, but far more than that it was his life or hers, for how could I leave her in the power of this madman? That was how I killed him. Was I wrong? Well, then, what would either of you gentlemen have done if you had been in my position?"
　　
　　"She had screamed when he struck her, and that brought old Theresa down from the room above. There was a bottle of wine on the sideboard, and I opened it and poured a little between Mary's lips, for she was half dead with the shock. Then I took a drop myself. Theresa was as cool as ice, and it was her plot as much as mine. We must make it appear that burglars had done the thing. Theresa kept on repeating our story to her mistress, while I swarmed up and cut the rope of the bell. Then I lashed her in her chair, and frayed out the end of the rope to make it look natural, else they would wonder how in the world a burglar could have got up there to cut it. Then I gathered up a few plates and pots of silver, to carry out the idea of a robbery, and there I left them with orders to give the alarm when I had a quarter of an hour's start. I dropped the silver into the pond and made off for Sydenham, feeling that for once in my life I had done a real good night's work. And that's the truth and the whole truth, Mr. Holmes, if it costs me my neck."
　　
　　Holmes smoked for some time in silence. Then he crossed the room and shook our visitor by the hand.
　　
　　"That's what I think," said he. "I know that every word is true, for you have hardly said a word which I did not know. No one but an acrobat or a sailor could have got up to that bell-rope from the bracket, and no one but a sailor could have made the knots with which the cord was fastened to the chair. Only once had this lady been brought into contact with sailors, and that was on her voyage, and it was someone of her own class of life, since she was trying hard to shield him and so showing that she loved him. You see how easy it was for me to lay my hands upon you when once I had started upon the right trail."
　　
　　"I thought the police never could have seen through our dodge."
　　
　　"And the police haven't; nor will they, to the best of my belief. Now, look here, Captain Croker, this is a very serious matter, though I am willing to admit that you acted under the most extreme provocation to which any man could be subjected. I am not sure that in defence of your own life your action will not be pronounced legitimate. However, that is for a British jury to decide. Meanwhile I have so much sympathy for you that if you choose to disappear in the next twenty-four hours I will promise you that no one will hinder you."
　　
　　"And then it will all come out?"
　　
　　"Certainly it will come out."
　　
　　The sailor flushed with anger.
　　
　　"What sort of proposal is that to make a man? I know enough of law to understand that Mary would be had as accomplice. Do you think I would leave her alone to face the music while I slunk away? No, sir; let them do their worst upon me, but for Heaven's sake, Mr. Holmes, find some way of keeping my poor Mary out of the courts."
　　
　　Holmes for a second time held out his hand to the sailor.
　　
　　"I was only testing you, and you ring true every time. Well, it is a great responsibility that I take upon myself, but I have given Hopkins an excellent hint, and if he can't avail himself of it I can do no more. See here, Captain Croker, we'll do this in due form of law. You are the prisoner. Watson, you are a British jury, and I never met a man who was more eminently fitted to represent one. I am the judge. Now, gentleman of the jury, you have heard the evidence. Do you find the prisoner guilty or not guilty?"
　　
　　"Not guilty, my lord," said I.
　　
　　"Vox populi, vox Dei. You are acquitted, Captain Croker. So long as the law does not find some other victim you are safe from me. Come back to this lady in a year, and may her future and yours justify us in the judgment which we have pronounced this night."