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"The date?" asked Hol his note-book

"He disappeared upon the 3d of Decee?"

"Reest a clue,--some clothes, some books, and a considerable number of curiosities from the Andae of the convict-guard there"

"Had he any friends in town?"

"Only one that we know of,--Major Sholto, of his own regiment, the 34th Bombay Infantry The major had retired some little time before, and lived at Upper Norwood We communicated with him, of course, but he did not even know that his brother officer was in England"

"A singular case," remarked Holular part About six years ago--to be exact, upon the 4th of May, 1882--an advertise for the address of Miss Mary Morstan and stating that it would be to her advantage to come forward There was no name or address appended I had at that time just entered the faoverness By her advice I published my address in the advertiseh the post a small card-board box addressed to e and lustrous pearl No word of writing was enclosed Since then every year upon the sa a similar pearl, without any clue as to the sender They have been pronounced by an expert to be of a rare variety and of considerable value You can see for yourselves that they are very handsome" She opened a flat box as she spoke, and showed me six of the finest pearls that I had ever seen

"Your state else occurred to you?"

"Yes, and no later than to-day That is why I have co I received this letter, which you will perhaps read for yourself"

"Thank you," said Holmes "The envelope too, please Postmark, London, SW Date, July 7 Hum! Man's thumb-mark on corner,--probably postman Best quality paper Envelopes at sixpence a packet Particular man in his stationery No address 'Be at the third pillar froht at seven o'clock If you are distrustful, bring two friends You are a wronged wo police If you do, all will be in vain Your unknown friend' Well, really, this is a very pretty little mystery What do you intend to do, Miss Morstan?"