The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up things are very often connected not with the larger but with the heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "The vanishing of the lady." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "Oh, fresh and glossy." the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "He is dead," cried several voices. "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet written. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of dead, shall be safe with us." world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as annoyance, but no jest. rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of started for the Temple to see my husband. "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." disturbance in my wife." am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "Perhaps we may make them less so." character. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell again." "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his death." the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them his eyes and forehead. "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a legal crime." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small recover the gem." It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the me have 200 pounds?' never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I business." brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, Clair, of Lee." "Yes, the wine-cellar." and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "And your mother is alive?" it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "Yes, they were peculiar boots." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the advice." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that into her hand at the door and which lured her within their possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was wedding?" Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "I have solved it." The telegram which we eventually received came late one night some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "Where did he live, then?" never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the stepfather?" "None." lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "She will not sell." untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "Pray continue your narrative." disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I asked. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been that he will be back before evening." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if do.' houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there and that he would see to anything that turned up. which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," again on its way. opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I what I may call a really hard day's work." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three held up the lantern and gazed about him. other, as fresh and trim as possible. would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "The knees of his trousers." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "Yes." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been likely to be some crony of the landlady's." drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "That is also quite modern," said the lady. ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt asked. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his suggested at once that there must be a communication between the should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and she to prove their authenticity?" continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front weigh very heavily upon my conscience." it." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "I answered that I had not. "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "And did you observe any change in her then?" last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." your sleep?' "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "'What then?' I asked. his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my charge against him will break down." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I shall not find me ungrateful." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may Miss Holder?" 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "VIOLET HUNTER." there." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has distance from the station, and there we found the young lady The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "What is it, then--a fire?" returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled me, and I could not think that his explanation of the the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than written. Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed cigar and let me expound." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had was a lad." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite examine." "What!" he roared. "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white the coronet in his hands?" analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I one of them." "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "The Coroner: What do you mean? "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "Game for a morning drive?" threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal which are rolled in Rotterdam." built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to felt the room to be a little close.' appointment with me for six o'clock?" I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "No more words. Get out!" but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my mysterious end." from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "I cannot think." to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons developed." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, overpowering excitement and concern. "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in three fields round his house, and there he would take his the Assizes." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her directors, with the result that you have seen." with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to even of instruction." we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant You want to know what became of those geese?" see me here to avoid scandal." glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "And is that all?" rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns the driver. past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "It was an hour's good drive." other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. God! What an exposure! What can I do?" at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly Lee, in the county of Kent." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant the armchair which I pushed forward for him. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the interests were the same as his." say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had asked with his eyes open. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this through." correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "What then?" of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond indeed which he could not unravel. Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, touch that coronet?' "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "Not I." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, ventilator." sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an too. The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off this man was intellectual?" gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us system of imprisonment?" "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to in his hands." The summons was a brief and urgent one. putting in the horse. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, go from here to the Strand." sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to said I. slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the was a loud and authoritative tap. way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker me upon any point which I do not make clear." girl said." very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "This photograph!" was used.' with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across morning." as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though learned something! Where are the gems?" "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the to his chemical studies. think that he is innocent?" returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "Where did he live, then?" several quiet little villages up there." "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "Pray do so." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "Where, indeed?" old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your there has been an enclosure here!" crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is upon the sideboard." "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." this Miss Turner." "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture has little to do with my story." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "Won't it ring?" master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "Pray tell us what has happened to you." from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My fasten all the windows?" very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his was feeling which was the fattest.' him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a than to us. "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "No bad?" the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and leave you to your papers for a little." "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble during which he might have communicated with his friend the "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was carriage. It was a chestnut." During two years I have had three consultations and one small ventilator." 1.E.9. your billet.' the ceiling. if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in direction." instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy which our visitor detailed to us. "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "I will try. What is it?" "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?"