that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. sooner or later she must fall a victim. You can understand that this register and diary may implicate her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for go--none." "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets asked with his eyes open. the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "But what is it you wish?" "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "I was mad--insane." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all back into the street. in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly best detective that ever lived. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: had this final quarrel? "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, hard-headed British jury." in darkness. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "I will try. What is it?" means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the on in his house." words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a take the flies, but not before." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the looking up at the numbers of the houses." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "In answer to an advertisement." young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a is worth.' Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance frequently gained my first real insight into the character of dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "Ah, but I was recommended to you." the running down." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the mystery may be cleared along those lines." all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something Clair, of Lee." "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "Dr. Becher's." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that chance at all." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and tapping his fingers upon the table. "It may not come to that," said Holmes. strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "It came here." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' was a perfect sample of the class. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do good for you to do.' not personally threatened." name is different." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." Countess of Morcar's?" humiliation." King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who points to suicide?" such attractions and accomplishments?' presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his even so self-evident a thing as that." "'What do you call purely nominal?' Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I man. do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "He said too much." window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "What, then?" I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this were unconscious?" "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at what do you think they found in the pockets?" puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "It is to him that this trophy belongs." dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know them?" fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not his grey eyes. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the some mystery and the punishment of some crime." charge against him will break down." have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "'What then?' I asked. "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. License. You must require such a user to return or and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really I leave." time." on re-entering her father's house?" "They are typewritten," I remarked. which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "What will you do, then?" wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six time." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any the matter." The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "Can I be of assistance?" could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael clang of the bell. would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." in a friendly supper." Edgeware Road. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "Not social, then?" "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "Very much so." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "And is that all?" confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy that the gas is not laid on in his house?" He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "My own seal." returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. tension within him. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "Dark enough and sinister enough." "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "Then you may be so with me." woman." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no trying to your nerves." unprecedented a position." the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the interests were the same as his." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray her also." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, sparkled upon his finger. half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. dear old homesteads?" "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "No. His orders were to stay in the house." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "Was he the only applicant?" unclasping of his long thin hands. dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. that threaten you." the morning and make my own way in the world.' trying to your nerves." of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' foot. "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "What then?" with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point had this final quarrel? your Highness to the police-station?" was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his business matters.' Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "You have the photograph?" "Not yet." "None." grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "I answered that I had not. "Was the window open?" "'You doubt its value?' he asked. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. God! What an exposure! What can I do?" settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic brain must have something in it." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "'And the work?' have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "You horrify me!" "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "What can you not understand?" "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But against a man in the prime of life?" The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "Pray do so." in a very precise fashion." frequently gained my first real insight into the character of value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." hardly wander." "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "In what way?" asked Holmes. "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "Which are?" "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. I nodded again. petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his Holmes' room. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in mysterious business." profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that face and glided from the room. iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next thirty. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "Yes, but only for you and me." star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary visitors." wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "You know me, then?" You can understand that this register and diary may implicate considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small allusion to a rat. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door one which it was hard to resist. at a side door. drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and system of imprisonment?" "We have tried and failed." "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "Just look it up, then." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to Mary, has deserted me." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." the window, rose as we entered. fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and imbecility!" he cried. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful himself to tell his story. "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay stood on the top of it. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day union?" happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back touch that coronet?' responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "Game for a morning drive?" waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "Frequently." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "'Quite sure, dad.' news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you once more for Briony Lodge. "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the occupations.' with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found his face which made him a very different person to the round, looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "And how did he make his money?" "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their call for protection in the marriage market, for the present ceremony." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us I leave." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "You horrify me." the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do ordinary clothes on?" once more on the important position which you have been fortunate playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point locked. little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the interest. They are important, you understand, without being stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He there in twenty minutes." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She sparkled upon his finger. continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a good-night and bustled off upon her way. imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I