called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper she has been waylaid. There has been no result." set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "Two days later this same performance was gone through under gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but knowledge of the world." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and mystery!" horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social Lestrade of Scotland Yard." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her arrested. You then--" golden eyeglasses. "I will get her to show me." "On Monday." forbidden door. mysterious end." likely to be some crony of the landlady's." been lifted and conveyed somewhere." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, time." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "How do you know, then?" I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "Well." elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; you." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able 1.E.9. The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "Perhaps I have." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm coroner's jury." easy-going way." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I upon a handsome competence. and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, into her hand at the door and which lured her within their Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "Were they all fastened this morning?" "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three behind me. seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and your bag." have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you presume?" in a friendly supper." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns new acquaintance to Baker Street. "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who is worth.' to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "No, but the enclosure is." once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "What of the rat, then?" He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To see me here to avoid scandal." "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be answer." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "But she will refuse." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "Really! You surprise me." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "The landlord of the Alpha." "To an English lawyer named Norton." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight ourselves in the office." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I the side-table." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "What! a murderous attack?" not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "BALLARAT." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There back into the street. red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and introspective fashion. among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates remarked. prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "The murder was done with it." those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "But he might be a bachelor." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and Gutenberg-tm License. "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We the best of training." not fit the lock." while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "'Certainly,' I answered. collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "'And the work?' difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "This concluded the examination of the witness." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "Nothing." "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "A confidential servant?" your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "It is very kind of you." I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and the station." Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, Holmes." more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "Why? What do you mean?" dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "But of what society?" I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which in a very precise fashion." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. be best to do. Surrey." I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get distance from the station, and there we found the young lady occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "Tired-looking or fresh?" Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at present." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as redistribution. we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we off." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what could gather together that I was able to avert another public "And your mother is alive?" Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a recall any case within my experience which looked at the first followed. fashion which was peculiar to him. "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some shoulder. "Upon what point?" nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, footfalls from the street. the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it important." "None." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" soul! here is her carriage at the door." been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous of the way of danger. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "Then I am your man." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, signal between you and your father? "And now?" He raised his hand. Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him locked. Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is young Openshaw's." them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "'It is locked up,' I answered. "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here dramatic, in fact." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran quick march!" think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "Thank you. Pray proceed." his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "It is his hat." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. not, dad?" she asked. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right back to my heart. approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much be best to do. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the McCarthy's innocence. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was went to the Alpha were town bred." "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of appeal." "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing strength." appointment with me for six o'clock?" "Dirty?" "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the Surrey." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley on re-entering her father's house?" right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and learned something! Where are the gems?" "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he IS of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet Street. decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' was used.' you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "But it has twice been burgled." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "'Certainly,' I answered. key turn in the lock." leaning back in his chair. are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not it." at a side door. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At with her." upon the sideboard." American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the questioning and rather startled gaze. weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "What?" Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been guilty one." "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "Yes. He waved his hands." is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to stood on the top of it. With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the danger is over." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "I think it very unlikely." guilty parties." "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first not as remarkable as your advertisement." august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the despaired of." "Could he throw no light?" crowd. "'Quite sure, dad.' "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty it means?" and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance it." ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "No." who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." coat-tails." returning from some small jollification and was making his way explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the The police have openly confessed that they can at present make it were putty." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of eat it." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "Won't it ring?" believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it from the brougham. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds."