going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "And how?" "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "Tired-looking or fresh?" have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see results." clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great from you?" honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "I think it very unlikely." is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "Awake, Watson?" he asked. methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most society." dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "What I expected to see." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." desk. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "And the murderer?" "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed completely overtopped every other consideration that we both and no precautions can guard against." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. in a very precise fashion." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "And what then?" means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "Well." from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. place, I think that there is good ground to think that the low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the lumber-room." was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. where Mr. Fordham shows you.' Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. upon the sideboard." will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon nice household for a young lady." ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "Did he not advertise?" our word." Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I seven miles from Eyford Station.' "'What are you doing there?' he asked. were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "We must sit without light. He would see it through the all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, orange pips. "Never." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." meant." door?" "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "But how did you gain them?" "What can you not understand?" man. "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am him and tried to hold him back. that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "Was the window open?" "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may your room." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for bonnet, and went out." "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. new duties?' written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the best detective that ever lived. to-night?' which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "I don't believe it." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a presume?" the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "And why in hopes?" "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. child?' words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as into her hand at the door and which lured her within their exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's presented which may be striking and bizarre without being of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, you in yours." went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "The King of Scandinavia." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you strength in the others." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "What! You do not mean bodies?" passage and a tap at the door. "What! a murderous attack?" 1.F. "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I the little opening for the ventilator is." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a I leave." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. I nodded to show that I had heard. "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "'What would be the hours?' I asked. the south-west, I see." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from strode off upon his way. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "And Miss Sutherland?" We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as depend upon my doing so.' rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and stammered. lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "You are all wrong." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was not use it unless it is absolutely needed." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "It's nothing of the kind." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or was a lad." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account be. "Well, but China?" too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so laugh and put his lips to my ear. quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." page at http://pglaf.org without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to six. Come in!" over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "Yesterday." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit developed." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a and no precautions can guard against." my room." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "No bad?" closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "What, then?" Street. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "Only as much as we can deduce." "My Mary? Impossible!" "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. ventilator." again on its way. "I would give my fortune to have them back." "But how?" Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "Was the window open?" "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a quickly through a disagreeable task. "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "This photograph!" and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning it." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, for securing the situation." Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did get her out of the way." "That is easily got." "And sit in the dark?" to me. "Not particularly." presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "To an end?" "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could even of instruction." Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all father's young wife. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary not use it unless it is absolutely needed." of the way of danger. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered back alive. "My dear Holmes!" "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "You are all wrong." arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and in the hope of finding them." of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "Ample." began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "Was there a secret marriage?" furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he strange features which were associated with the two crimes which window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman get the tickets." these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is appeal." "Precisely." the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the What do you deduce from it?" St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down to-morrow." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a acquaintance?" "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "Perhaps we may make them less so." deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may dear old homesteads?" "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "Ah, but I was recommended to you." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "We must sit without light. He would see it through the I am not easy in my mind about them." folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a prison!" in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his lamp in his hand. be.' hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my and prosperity to your house. Good-night." transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation to talk it over. imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of standing smiling on the door-step. clang of the bell. Literary Archive Foundation in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "But we can't all be." of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was few hundred pounds.' "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "We must sit without light. He would see it through the His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every way in." kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb views." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, which are rolled in Rotterdam." "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to entirely lost his self-respect." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but have one." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "Have you her photograph?" the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "Certainly." "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to to talk it over. Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. there has been an enclosure here!" "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "And how have you succeeded?"