inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very telegram would bring me down to your help." "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a had this final quarrel? recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "No, my brougham is waiting." the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "But she could not love him." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. case before our client came into the room." "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "You saw the ventilator, too?" "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "Very much so." free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "Where did you address your letters, then?" your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it it. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Perhaps I have." in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for union?" woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible to a light-house. and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his triumphant cloud from his cigarette. spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to gone. "It must be recovered." "Nothing." "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "Nor running a chance of arrest?" one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but assist you in forming an opinion." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond time." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, acted in my house last night?" belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very copied or distributed: this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "On Monday." "Pray do so." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when closely." direction." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable like gravel from a pit.' have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "Oh, yes, easily." have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. young Openshaw's." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "At half-wages, in fact." "'Never.' bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "10th. John Swain cleared. and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side eavesdroppers?' awkward doing business with an alias." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the do." "Where, then?" showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was indeed which he could not unravel. some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "I would give my fortune to have them back." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his read over the extraordinary announcement. reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "What then?" it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you was the fact that his father should, according to his account, during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "What can you not understand?" your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the had died away into the silence from which it rose. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. it." Arthur Conan Doyle nice household for a young lady." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man very peculiar words of the dying woman?" enter Dr. Roylott's room." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "Never to return." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and place no limit on the sum I may draw." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "No, I had a dozen." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I woven round him. to miss it." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "It certainly sounds feasible." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "Very murderous indeed." I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "Witness: Nothing definite. you." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "Imitated." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it to-night." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even make me his representative both with the servants and with the "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum night.' said he. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to were wasted." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "I see many objections to any such theory." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "In San Francisco, a year ago." to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my never will be, entirely cleared up. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have advice." shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "A call for help, you thought?" however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "What do you mean?" untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "Where is it, then?" sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "You have compromised yourself seriously." cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and appointment with me for six o'clock?" my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my generous with you in money matters.' well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to since then to throw any light upon what became of him." latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or light and attacked it." down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps you came in." dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, light and attacked it." "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining the matter?" is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative compunction about shooting them down." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from easy-going way." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I II. then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "Then you may be so with me." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across one of the states of the Union." Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. just ask you whether you had heard it.' Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the James Windibank. Voilà tout!" coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her believe that I should never have any practice at all. presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "What office?" minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow some mystery and the punishment of some crime." brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the I approached. "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the interested in these little problems, and since you are good Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a think that any burglar could have done. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a to his chemical studies. "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away and effective." affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the upon an income of about 60 pounds." "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. suggested at once that there must be a communication between the he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "But we can't all be." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "No." confronted him. ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that wedding?" Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin directly by questioning you." heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to least a fellow-countryman. glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, tell them apart.' It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "Where did you address your letters, then?" "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. in the dead of the night?' open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even and prosperity to your house. Good-night." Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he McCarthy." the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "What of the rat, then?" "In which, sir?" Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to the coronet in his hands?" cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! help us in this matter." The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some note?" down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your outbreak?" side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it your room." ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To anything to do with the matter?" IS vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a his fortune, and I went back to pa. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "Dr. Becher's." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that morning." of note-paper. It read in this fashion: 'please.'" "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the affair. the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "Your French gold?" silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my business." miles off. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Not I." glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "Yes." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips murdered man." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be congenial hunt. heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the like that before?" "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "Dark enough and sinister enough." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a