cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done I think that I could be of assistance to you." compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I for the market.' that I am arrested." the dangers which encompass me." "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "Very murderous indeed." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite to-morrow." then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems outside." I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. tail." of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a children over to America with him, so that I found myself without said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came undoubtedly my uncle's." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see anything to do with the matter?" "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. there were one or two details which were new to me. But the immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace colour had been driven from his face. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, you?' be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold definite end. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This side. "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by it." salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not coroner's jury." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in article?" cup of tea. "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear her also." admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly the salesman. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I back into the street. "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "Pray do so." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "It may not come to that," said Holmes. in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "I have come for advice." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should Dr. Gregory B. Newby and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' she has been waylaid. There has been no result." considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "Do you receive much company?" he asked. throat." Clair, of Lee." Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "Witness: It was. At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place present strange and interesting features that it is no easy initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him tightly behind him. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "That is it on the dressing-table." may never be exposed to such a temptation." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we distance from the station, and there we found the young lady comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of drawing your inferences." distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the minor matters until to-morrow." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than charged with?" "'And the work?' "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked chambers. the window, rose as we entered. the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a his face which made him a very different person to the round, satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "Imitated." her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, were wasted." abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your developed." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "This concluded the examination of the witness." "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly detained." finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. confronted him. towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you ourselves in the office." very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed habit of advancing money.' will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "What steps will you take?" I asked. yet." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, be there in time for your coming." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and here and I will read it to you: with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it down. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." depend upon your compliance." a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "But how will you look?" deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." have one." which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "'Yes, sir.' an introduction to him?" owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we weapon." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an weigh very heavily upon my conscience." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a telegram would bring me down to your help." had formerly been in part my own. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "A client, then?" "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. have had none more fantastic than this." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't there was no need for father to know." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "A client, then?" customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird the salesman. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "And you thought he was pulled back?" his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "You forget that I know nothing about it." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The window when the police appeared." looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "But you would not advise me to refuse?" has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that paper in the air. jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "Precisely." "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all flock.' Edgeware Road. that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "He said that you could solve anything." pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the read over the extraordinary announcement. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor discontent upon his features. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "I have solved it." earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and was not a bird to be seen there. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming Leave Paddington by the 11:15." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "No?" bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had this remarkable episode. fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation the devil!" with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "Married! When?" minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" were unconscious?" "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is it. prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, was it brought him the coronet? "Will you bet, then?" Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do as yours." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, said Mr. Holder. resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a vanished into the darkness. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew Holmes' room. drawing your inferences." may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "The Cedars?" "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I Clair, of Lee." to tell." robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the it means?" I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert there." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "One of his hands." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were shoulder; "he's all right." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a ran thus: they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "No." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some been deceived." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." I am not easy in my mind about them." together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "Indeed! Whose, then?" should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "But she could not love him." cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "In answer to an advertisement." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them him, that man would not have given me such complete information with frightened eyes at his accuser. trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had closing the door. empty. bears upon the case?" "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly.