vade mecum. It also showed me on the linen the mixed markings of blood and matter, which could only have come from a boil on the neck where the collar rubbed. Without the aid of the glass I could see from the button-hole of the collar that the wearer had no button on the back of his shirt neck, and experience teaches us that only wives can be guilty of such neglect. A mother would not need asking to attend to it, and a man would demand the service of a sister, or of a landlady. To the fact of the linen having been badly got up I debit her with ignorance, and the ink stain was, of course, due to the action of the unfortunate wearer, who was continually pushing the collar down every time it worked itself up." "And now for your story," I said eagerly: for after my friend's exhibition I could no longer doubt that it would be an interesting recital. "Well," he began, "the event I am about to tell you of happened almost immediately after Holmes was instrumental in clearing up the mystery surrounding the man with the twisted lip — a clever and artistic piece of work, I must confess — though that solution may have been suggested to him by something similar in The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins, or by an incident in, I think. Madame Midas by Fergus Hume. (We are indebted to the novelists more than we care to own). I was just putting the finishing touches to my breakfast one lovely morning — it was the beginning of July — when I heard the sound of wheels in the street, and looking through the window I saw a neat little dog-cart pull up at my own door; the driver got down and rang the bell, and a minute later my servant brought in a letter which I opened. It was brief, and ran as follows:— Luton-square. B———, 5th July, 1889. Dear Sir, — I shall be glad to see you as early as possible. A burglary was committed at my house late last night, or early this morning, and very valuable property stolen. If you can make it convenient to accompany the bearer so much the better. Yours faithfully, J. H. McDONALD.
"'The driver is to wait for an answer, sir,' my servant reminded as I stared at the letter. "'Say I will be with him in less than five minutes,' I replied. So I finished my breakfast, and after referring to the directory for information respecting McDonald — who was, it appeared, a retired army captain - I went downstairs and entered the dog cart. A glance at the turnout told me that my destination was some miles away, for the horse was wet with sweat and the trap very dusty. The driver had been in the army also, for there was a soldier's training evident in the respectful touch of the hat, and a story revealed to me in the salute itself, in the form of a peculiar scar on his right hand. "'You haven't done much fighting during the last thirty-two years, my friend,' I remarked as we drove off. "'No, sir,' he replied, rather surprised 'it'll be thirty-two years next Tuesday week since last I used a bayonet.' "'Was the captain in the Mutiny too?' I asked. "'Went all through it, sir,' "' You did your duty out, there. I hope?' "'Yes, sir." Seven of the devils went down before me at Aeng, and but for receiving this slash' — holding up his hand — 'about two hours march from Cawnpore' — his face paled, and a terrible light leapt to his eyes at the recollection of that fiendish massacre. After a pause of a few seconds he continued: 'But the Captain, sir, did my share of the work in addition to his own; he bore a charmed life and to the pibroch of the 78th Highlanders he added that day at least a score to the population of hell.' And for the next twenty minutes of the journey which took us to Captain McDonald's residence the brave, simple follow spoke in loving and reverent terms of his master's prowess and goodness, and he had cause, for the Captain had once saved his life at the risk of losing his own. "On arriving at Luton-square I was shown into the drawing-room, and the Captain joined me almost before I was seated. I noticed that his agitation was very great. "'Good morning, Mr. Anderson,' he said, giving me a hand: 'I am exceedingly obliged' by your prompt compliance with my wishes, and I trust—— But before going any further may I ask if you have any objection to working — if necessary — with a fellow expert in matters of this kind?' "'None whatever,' I answered. 'Who is he?' "A Mr. Sherlock Holmes," he answered. "I understand he is a specialist?" "He is a remarkably clever man," I replied. "I don't know if it is usual." he began, "to call in two detectives; but really my loss is of such a nature that I got desperate, and I knew that in desperate cases two or more doctors were often called in, and I suppose two heads are better than one." "If they are only———" I suggested. "Well, well; never mind the rest of the saying. But come with me to the dining-room and I will show you over the ground, and give you all the particulars. Mr. Holmes may not be in town, so there can be no objection." The Captain led the way, and on reaching the dining-room be pulled a key from his pocket and proceeded to unlock the door.