photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "I cannot as yet see any connection." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible more terrible than the truth. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the face and glided from the room. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "And the murderer?" three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "No." in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "Very much so." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the his cane at the bell-pull. often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "'About the same.' "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting politicians who had been sent down from the North. its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and been." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "Will you bet, then?" daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "Very. But will he see it?" "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the peculiar to him. objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the cigars in their mouths. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "If so, much may have happened between." been able to understand it, in a very few words. I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the careless servant girl?" "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. peculiar to him. For additional contact information: "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "A greater distance to travel." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "'In my own bureau.' drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter pity, because in other respects you would really have done very This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off hurried by. "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the papers must be those that are destroyed.' Have you good authority for what you say?" amused." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that in one or two places in England?' "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "Did you become engaged then?" "Could he throw no light?" "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet chemical work which was so dear to him. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the You can understand that this register and diary may implicate however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself and all of them with the keenest interest. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came himself to tell his story. The King stared at him in amazement. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of to take care of herself." "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey any little problem which you may submit to me." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be Clair, of Lee." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies manager. accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can fasten all the windows?" made him keep the appointment." had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it crime. cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "Certainly." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have client, rising. "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had is four-and-twenty." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On papers must be those that are destroyed.' reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were shoulder. and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "I will not look." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so strength of mind to control. dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over been shamefully used." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man you want, then?' "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "Witness: Nothing definite. age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very there were one or two details which were new to me. But the tied." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic more terrible than the truth. laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried had a long day." her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "No, my brougham is waiting." "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most that threaten you." neither fascinating nor artistic." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." http://gutenberg.net/license). 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "What! Had he lost his wife?" imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "It must be recovered." the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, Mrs. Toller serenely. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late presented more singular features than that which was associated "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have silent! Oh, he will be silent!' as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black lumber-room." "Yes, but only for you and me." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young could not account in any way for the presence of the missing my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the fait accompli?" three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more as yours." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, friends, not even his own brother. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the forbidden door. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "Nothing?" signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" strength in the others." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. whatever might befall. reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and interests were the same as his." Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "I see many objections to any such theory." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his read over the extraordinary announcement. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "But you were on a friendly footing?" give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand wife's character?" Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "They are typewritten," I remarked. the matter?" tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "The knees of his trousers." "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "You are all wrong." learned something! Where are the gems?" "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. trying to your nerves." third from London." To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be to-morrow." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." footfalls from the street. He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider lost his Christmas dinner." be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' weary and pale-looking. woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "I know where it is." address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet chance." "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "No, distinctly professional." the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. forecastle of an emigrant ship. he bowed and left the room without another word. and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "And I." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my as he folded up the epistle. in my life." lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came Mrs. Toller serenely. receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of even of instruction." of his shoulders. depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. begun to whiten, even as mine has." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "Tired-looking or fresh?" the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "It is very kind of you." newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "You will not go there first?" on in his house." fluttered off among the others. "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "'Quite sure, dad.' idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George asked. Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered indeed which he could not unravel. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "And for present expenses?" The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of to Leatherhead. give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the at home. rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "Why? What do you mean?" "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. where Mr. Fordham shows you.' present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set populous neighbourhood." effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "That is possible." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to Eyford at 11:15.' "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried 'please.'" the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' the bed, and you in that chair." "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the memory. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, the bottom.' gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have quick march!" now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" possible that we could bring him back to her? "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he the roots. could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would persecution?" squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your easy-going way." "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "You are hungry," I remarked. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and points to suicide?" after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "It came here." that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I she has been waylaid. There has been no result." filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner this Miss Turner." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "No, thank goodness, she did not." "Breckinridge is his name." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "I have seen the police." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "And that is--" "Nor running a chance of arrest?" age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge