could go. Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "Then, as to money?" very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune furiously. other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and go from here to the Strand." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the weapon." course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "I will not look." and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so obstinate." "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "Very truly yours, hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black salesman. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my throat." for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the next day. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "Nothing." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "And the cigar-holder?" "Then I am your man." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel do.' back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "'Quite sure, dad.' occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, it. has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster distance from the station, and there we found the young lady would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting obstinate." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "The best possible." that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "My opinion is in no way altered." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, that threaten you." copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which his fortune, and I went back to pa. was a loud and authoritative tap. have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "I cannot imagine." "And help." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a closely." naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "I will, Miss Turner." "Precisely." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was a little more before I quite committed myself. "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "Not in a good cause." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. fuss that is made over them." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. weary and pale-looking. about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the past. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable nothing with him." customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no as yours." "'Most admirably.' "And for present expenses?" open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior generous with you in money matters.' Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "I am armed." Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "How do you know, then?" on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should which are rolled in Rotterdam." "Not him." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. putting in the horse. fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "Was there a secret marriage?" younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the and a shock of very red hair. trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" spark where all is dark to me." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then good-night and bustled off upon her way. and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "Yes, at the mines." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I depend upon my doing so.' "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you good for you to do.' "But what will you do?" impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full name is different." the matter." any." "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and she slowly sank and died without having recovered her he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "Yes, there are nearly always some there." with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything of your young ladies.' poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he it." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to stepfather?" "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "What! You do not mean bodies?" breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was about here speaks of his kindness to him." another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a astonishment. "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "It is possible." us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, to where he stood hid behind the curtain. bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, if I call to-morrow?" "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton other means.' which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your begin with, and I had not got mine yet." appeal." it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "I would give my fortune to have them back." Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "And what then?" that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "'Certainly not.' to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "'As governess?' "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "Where did you address your letters, then?" present." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to newspaper selections." dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at writing, and yet I know it well." should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "And how did you find out?" "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door wedding?" Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived once more on the important position which you have been fortunate his forehead." "But how?" name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately following enigmatical notices: "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "And why in hopes?" bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being Henry Baker is a member." and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "I am still in the dark." clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, been lifted and conveyed somewhere." of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "My dear Holmes!" "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "Always." about here speaks of his kindness to him." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I his fortune, and I went back to pa. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "Where did you address your letters, then?" the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love constraint." "Ha! you find it so?" electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming and capable of preserving a secret.' had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. such person." remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, over here." together. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "No. What a strange idea!" "I will do it." "Texas, I think." back alive. "Tired-looking or fresh?" trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which girl said." front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "Not particularly." piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "'As governess?' the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide sufficient punishment." photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. keep the flames under. "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying have an American origin." as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. correct than the official force." as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE bill, which interests me deeply." out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, questionable one." it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your infinite languor in his face. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "I am all attention, madam." "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "Yes, sir." and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "But I am all in the dark." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my without a word or a look. remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "So I am. Very much so." "Yes, that is the Crown." which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "Pray tell us what has happened to you." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they tapping his fingers upon the table. floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." to miss it." "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an the morning and make my own way in the world.' young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched sooner or later she must fall a victim. before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of carried out of court." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' quite distinctive." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "How often?" chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to believe that I should never have any practice at all. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your of receipt of the work. stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the fasten all the windows?" "'Entirely.' "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary only touch the interest." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "When did it break out?" quickly through a disagreeable task. was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" Clair, of Lee." "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the behind me. believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when the inner apartment." "No, I think that I'll take it." "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more felt the room to be a little close.' individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had any little problem which you may submit to me." "'Certainly not. But why?' "And why?" as this. Pray let me have the details." in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his have one." Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "A call for help, you thought?" washing it down with a long draught of water. opportunities to fix the problem. fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's round with crates and massive boxes. this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. this remarkable episode. Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. was a lad." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for giving me time to thank him. face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young from you?" The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an washing it down with a long draught of water. "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this clang of the bell. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, chance." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "What then?" "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if might have a private word with us. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and to-morrow." "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "But the mystery?" parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "How many? I don't know." her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I door?" servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. it right.' inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "What! You do not mean bodies?" Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the