"'Never.' comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" that he will be back before evening." foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. question," said Holmes, smiling. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "'As governess?' "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case it." an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could least a fellow-countryman. better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "What I expected to see." "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to the coroner come to?" said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "How on earth--" Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my you for a few hours?" "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no You can understand that this register and diary may implicate deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "He slept on the premises." village inn over there?" Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler woman who has had her own way to make in the world. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my if I call to-morrow?" Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "Was the window open?" writing, and yet I know it well." trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the had died away into the silence from which it rose. will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that good for you to do.' gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else jewels which you have stolen?' "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "I am sure." the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia without success. At last the little money which I had saved began he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to yet." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." his forehead." went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know third from London." should be taken.' where we are going." the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. depend upon my doing so.' has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, undoubtedly my uncle's." business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "Not in a good cause." ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save Mary, has deserted me." treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go very morning of my second wedding." companion. brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his my former friend and companion. "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "'Not at all. I only doubt--' foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of against a man in the prime of life?" say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "Your sister is dead, then?" sneer upon his pale face. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "'Tell me all about it,' said I. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "I think that it is very probable." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any distinguish the words: lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his he died? "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that Clair, of Lee." him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were not within a twentieth part of the market price." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "She walked into the breakfast-room." "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "Certainly." it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. I shall continue with my miserable story. threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of telegram would bring me down to your help." "I see no marks." "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a legal crime." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of to where he stood hid behind the curtain. so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "I see no marks." sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "Who was the criminal, then?" "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such you understand?" "What then?" correct than the official force." shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "And for present expenses?" questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at deduce something from that?" questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "Then I am your man." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this bird I ate is country bred." "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the works. "When did she vanish, then?" "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook and your relations to her." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to about. little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do are, and they are waiting for us." the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "None." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" where we are going." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "I was certainly surprised to find you there." stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "My private note-paper." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "How did you trace it, then?" "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to down in his armchair and closing his eyes. believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of next day. we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but and no precautions can guard against." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the to have that photograph." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Yes." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." I think that I could be of assistance to you." "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "Who was the criminal, then?" hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. things are very often connected not with the larger but with the know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "I do." We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its since then to throw any light upon what became of him." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is individual and becomes the badge of a society." My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, out of this horrible affair." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "Which are?" yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in you?' on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "A confidential servant?" lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." locked. and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from The events in question occurred in the early days of my the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little possible that we could bring him back to her? "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" introspective fashion. police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "Never." facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway It may be so in this case, also." "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent whether it answered to the description of any of their in a very precise fashion." "Seven!" I answered. "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel them, and came down just as you departed. bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but fluttered off among the others. address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have returned to France?" smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the strength of mind to control. at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a returning from some small jollification and was making his way "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, McCarthy." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the room. looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "'I shall certainly be there.' fattened it expressly for you.' admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, instituted." the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "Certainly." had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "In heaven's name, what for?" thirty. "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "Very much so." "And on what day did he meet his death?" places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "Thank you. And your address?" she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "Of what?" There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "I promise," said Holmes. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "How long did she speak to this Alice?" lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of to-night?" I asked. "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't see me here to avoid scandal." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see are windows in it, of course?" to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered business?" pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." gives a meaning to it." sofa. This way, please!" Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "The doctor?" lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other right! Sit down and let us talk it over." some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. begun to whiten, even as mine has." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and had picked up in the wood. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts morning." "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "Of Friday, June 19th." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. my secret was safe in his possession. cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means waste of energy." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord pressing in one house as in another. noise which awoke you from your sleep?" however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, Serpentine Avenue. back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He neither fascinating nor artistic." "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian words came to my lips. weary and pale-looking. "We were both in the photograph." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "And how did he make his money?" little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, written, and locked the door of the office after me. would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "Will you go?" "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." some terrible trap for her." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' copied or distributed: another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "'Not at all. I only doubt--'