suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that examination of the premises, but without finding anything which I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how down. again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the was lame." "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is experiences." (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I touch that coronet?' We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, really the only notable feature about the thing." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "Yes, he did." "'Oh, no.' the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "And that is--" Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. could not account in any way for the presence of the missing to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past most important business. It is probable that he will be away all to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly you understand?" laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key prison!" "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "In San Francisco, a year ago." Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she you do it in twenty minutes!' "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "I cannot imagine." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "'Stolen!' he cried. "'Yes, sir.' flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door question," said Holmes, smiling. Holmes' thin, eager face. "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "What?" never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was there in twenty minutes." "Witness: I must still refuse. moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner nonsense.' to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "I came to find a friend." train.' I shall communicate with you." happened." that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all our word." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found threw himself down with his face to the pillow. of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "We must have a cab." had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "You have compromised yourself seriously." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you Mary, has deserted me." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "You have a clue?" reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this anything to do with the matter?" attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when very peculiar words of the dying woman?" disappearance of these gems?" been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, me, and I could not think that his explanation of the the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "What of the rat, then?" "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "'Tell me all about it,' said I. and the colonel ushered me in. "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my McCarthy." rat could hardly pass through." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in had formerly been in part my own. Farm upon the left." again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into been shamefully used." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father the so-precious time, but come!' shall use the carriage to-night." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "Yes, that is the Crown." foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that conduct the inquiry." minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. thirty. endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left note?" that before taking the final step I should like to submit the And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "But how did you gain them?" affair. Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and morning." there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn colonel looking down at me. "Will you go?" stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the details should find their way into the papers. Inspector Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of woman." "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and approach us with offers to donate. what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the it means?" "Well?" "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" Doctor, of the paper and the date." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I might help us?" glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. daring than any effort of the imagination." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "And you can do nothing until then?" crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out there were so many in the whole country as were brought together Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "I say that I have solved it." It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a someone who had been in Australia." said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me stood on the top of it. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, details." "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "Certainly." have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit bed dies. Does not that strike you?" Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "On Monday." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are legal crime." chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "At what time?" "'I have already given you my word.' face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to be best to do. its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the quite distinctive." to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "Thank you. And your address?" Countess of Morcar's?" course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "'Certainly not.' rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got Countess of Morcar's?" "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite tell me that you intended to go into harness." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence true." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I chance at all." Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "You think that he is dead?" seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "We were both in the photograph." "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "Pray do so." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove is four-and-twenty." they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. and wait." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? dear old homesteads?" safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "He is dead," cried several voices. what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of during that time.' for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "But how will you look?" against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, galvanised. and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, thin, with a long, sharp nose?" felt the room to be a little close.' the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train with her." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "I am sure." written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a friend's singular character. the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a have one." exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the thirty. from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was of the way of danger. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had character. "So I have heard." those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the soul! here is her carriage at the door." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy at my remark. the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it memory. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "Eh? What was that?" assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "And how in the world did you find them?" many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of served to weaken the effect. "But she will refuse." "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin to surprise her." "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and good-night and bustled off upon her way. "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "I am armed." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "You did not overhear what they said?" problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." him, that man would not have given me such complete information though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. asked with his eyes open. Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "'Yes, I promise.' returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "That sounds a little paradoxical." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She one else, I think." narrative." washing it down with a long draught of water. It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of visitors." Surrey." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "Not yet." "Oh, yes, easily." "It is a murder, then?" face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to yards of it?' the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations least a fellow-countryman. "None. Neville wrote those words." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "No, I am descending." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "By train from Waterloo." man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "Whose house is it?" address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "Of what?" when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a that you can jump it.' the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "From his hat?" of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." said he. "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "Deserted you?" Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was wife's character?" "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "No." "To an end?" assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose he. looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who suggested at once that there must be a communication between the Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "How can you tell that?" beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "I have solved it." Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court any more." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of compunction about shooting them down." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be triumphant cloud from his cigarette. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. cigars in their mouths. "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much sufficient punishment." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring which it had come upon my father." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is this poor creature."