with his victim in a four-wheeled cab, which was drawn by a horse with three old

shoes and one new one on his off fore leg. In all probability the murderer had a

florid face, and the finger-nails of his right hand were remarkably long. These

are only a few indications, but they may assist you.”

 

Lestrade and Gregson glanced at each other with an incredulous smile.

 

“If this man was murdered, how was it done?” asked the former.

 

“Poison,” said Sherlock Holmes curtly, and strode off. “One other thing,

Lestrade,” he added, turning round at the door: “‘Rache,’ is the German for

‘revenge’; so don’t lose your time looking for Miss Rachel.”

 

With which Parthian shot he walked away, leaving the two rivals open-mouthed

behind him.

 

CHAPTER IV.

 

WHAT JOHN RANCE HAD TO TELL.

 

It was one o’clock when we left No. 3, Lauriston Gardens. Sherlock Holmes led me

to the nearest telegraph office, whence he dispatched a long telegram. He then

hailed a cab, and ordered the driver to take us to the address given us by

Lestrade.