Such was the remarkable narrative to which I listened on that

April evening -- a narrative which would have been utterly

incredible to me had it not been confirmed by the actual sight

of the tall, spare figure and the keen, eager face, which I had

never thought to see again. In some manner he had learned of my

own sad bereavement, and his sympathy was shown in his manner

rather than in his words. "Work is the best antidote to sorrow,

my dear Watson," said he, "and I have a piece of work for us

both to-night which, if we can bring it to a successful

conclusion, will in itself justify a man's life on this planet."

In vain I begged him to tell me more. "You will hear and see

enough before morning," he answered. "We have three years of

the past to discuss. Let that suffice until half-past nine,

when we start upon the notable adventure of the empty house."

It was indeed like old times when, at that hour, I found myself

seated beside him in a hansom, my revolver in my pocket and the

thrill of adventure in my heart. Holmes was cold and stern and

silent. As the gleam of the street-lamps flashed upon his

04.01.2008