claim-jumping—which in miners’ parlance means taking possession of

that which another person has a prior claim to—the whole situation became

absolutely clear. She had gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover

or was a previous husband—the chances being in favour of the

latter.”


“And how in the world did you find them?”


“It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held information in

his hands the value of which he did not himself know. The initials were, of

course, of the highest importance, but more valuable still was it to know that

within a week he had settled his bill at one of the most select London

hotels.”


“How did you deduce the select?”


“By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence for a

glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive hotels. There are not many

in London which charge at that rate. In the second one which I visited in

Northumberland Avenue, I learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H.

Moulton, an American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking

over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I had seen in

the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded to 226 Gordon Square; so

thither I travelled, and being fortunate enough to find the loving couple at

home, I ventured to give them some paternal advice and to point out to them

that it would be better in every way that they should make their position a

little clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in particular.

I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I made him keep the

appointment.”


“But with no very good result,” I remarked. “His conduct was

certainly not very gracious.”


“Ah, Watson,” said Holmes, smiling, “perhaps you would not be

very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and wedding, you

found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of fortune. I think that we