and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "Yes." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, things are very often connected not with the larger but with the son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that Again Holmes raved in the air. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course interests were the same as his." was already answered. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, have one." "Seven!" I answered. itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss could not account in any way for the presence of the missing that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "And your father? Did you tell him?" prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this back alive. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer think, you have already met." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "'Most admirably.' Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I south, for the country is more deserted there." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. definite end. frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever perplexity from it to my illustrious client. broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "Is he quiet?" of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is seen the man in the road." Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in disappearance of these gems?" visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety During two years I have had three consultations and one small chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, returned to France?" this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such your Highness to the police-station?" turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "'Certainly not. But why?' "You will not go there first?" bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in at my remark. you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., man. editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I front of me. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "Pray do so." "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "I was sure that I might rely on you." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I matters immensely." is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "It is to him that this trophy belongs." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "But not more so than I to find you." to-morrow." "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "Perhaps we may make them less so." clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end train.' you?" "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "By no means." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "He might." "It looks newer than the other things?" nothing of it?" never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "You know me, then?" "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "Have you it here?" "Certainly, madam." "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, heavily into it. stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts assist you in forming an opinion." down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "Why? What do you mean?" rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor of fine shops and stately business premises that they really her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." cup of tea. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "It is very kind of you." his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "ARAT," I read. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the roused himself from his reverie. a little more before I quite committed myself. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the leaning back in his chair. on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "Pray do so." "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "I am in hopes that she does." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "No." Street. "This concluded the examination of the witness." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. maiden herself was most instructive." "She told me to ask you." "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester notes," he said. bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found awaited us upon the table. "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that perplexity from it to my illustrious client. assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him business." round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" interest. They are important, you understand, without being How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." begin with, and I had not got mine yet." the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there out." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man likely to be some crony of the landlady's." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." felt?" his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do fact, we may call it conclusive." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis comes from the middle window." In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "I cannot as yet see any connection." "What then?" Leadenhall Street--and--" up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should him!" "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to grasp, he hurried from the room. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the to go into your room and bar your shutters?" quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "Won't it ring?" "Yes?" compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter to tell." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours said I. "It looks newer than the other things?" "On your arm?" I approached. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and about here speaks of his kindness to him." companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously woven round him. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking row." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "Whose house is it?" "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the chambers. generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "Yes, there are nearly always some there." and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would You can understand that this register and diary may implicate being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two not use it unless it is absolutely needed." young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country the roots. a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable Project Gutenberg-tm works. air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "Yes, that is the Crown." "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "Not in the least." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security matter over." have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH for securing the situation." But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those cost them two and thirty pounds." is acting for the best. compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any the iron safe, which he closed upon it. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "Certainly." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, that?' as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to the Assizes." "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the carriage. It was a chestnut." round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination Arthur Conan Doyle description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the it. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "Not social, then?" the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, congratulate you again." it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "One of the highest in England." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it and that he would see to anything that turned up. superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "That is unusual in a young girl." space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "Yes, it was twisted." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "Yes, all." "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed even so self-evident a thing as that." was it brought him the coronet? money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "I have come for advice." "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "Why, it's a dummy," said he. the salesman. figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? not fit the lock." Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "ARAT," I read. "It is no ordinary one." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in his eyes and forehead. he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert this remarkable episode. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "If I can be of use." people in all walks of life. broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable room. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "I see no marks." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. carried out of court." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the them?" active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded were unconscious?" I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "'What, the red-headed man?' "Not yet." "Dark enough and sinister enough." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban you." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. standing smiling on the door-step. the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "If so, much may have happened between." "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" discontent upon his features. It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the to his chemical studies. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have companion imperturbably. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "'Yes, sir.' one of them."