o leave the game in that condition."

And yet the next day brought us no nearer to the solution of the
mystery. A 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 brougham, and if you desire a twenty-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 more before I
leave him."

"His carriage is at his door now," said I. "There he is stepping into
it. I saw him glance up at our window as he did so. Suppose I try my
luck 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 am afraid that I must leave you to your own devices, as the
appearance of TWO inquiring strangers upon a sleepy countryside might
excite more gossip than I care for. No doubt you will find some sights
to amuse you in this venerable city, and I hope to bring back a more
favourable 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 doctor's general
direction, I spent the day 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, Histon, Waterbeach,
and Oakington have each been explored and have each proved
disappointing. The daily appearance of a brougham and pair could hardly
have been overlooked in such Sleepy Hollows. 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."

"Oh, it is clear enough. It is f