blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a Heh?' which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "That's no good." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" meant it for the best. lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear public press." "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." orange pips. deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of results." isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my his fortune, and I went back to pa. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural returning from some small jollification and was making his way "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. she to prove their authenticity?" "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the suddenly upon us." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I highly," said Holmes. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found my former friend and companion. not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end hereditary King of Bohemia." which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." husband's writing, madam." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "She told me to ask you." "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice touch that coronet?' with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "Yes, I have one waiting." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the will he say when he returns?" shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "About a month then." traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her galvanised. "'Which dealer's?' handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, and inquire as to the address." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with and glanced through. you want, then?' "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "And help." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in man. said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "I assure you that I am in your hands." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the are, I think, all that we need." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the outside." the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my himself to hunt down. down in his armchair and closing his eyes. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize crime. swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "But the mystery?" Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the who was a member of your goose club." instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who you?' in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune with you alone." "No, my brougham is waiting." not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "Then you may be so with me." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be any." memory. "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no congratulate you again." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive shoulder; "he's all right." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "I have hopes." to tackle the facts." seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, sentimental considerations in the background which would induce Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "I will not look." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he characteristics, but those are the more obvious." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. hard-headed British jury." continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "I promise," said Holmes. "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "It was." she to prove their authenticity?" key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The written, and locked the door of the office after me. The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "But what harm can there be in that?" sake, don't!" too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some it." crime." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I name is different." brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern papers must be those that are destroyed.' have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where persecution?" old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When again." both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "It is very clear." heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. wife's character?" uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a bill, which interests me deeply." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "'Then let me do so?' younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at his wife has ceased to love him." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" to-morrow." friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "In San Francisco, a year ago." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce as he folded up the epistle. manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long nonsense.' tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "Yes." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, posted to-day." the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called noise which awoke you from your sleep?" may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "That is it on the dressing-table." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round young Openshaw's." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "9th. McCauley cleared. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "'What are you doing there?' he asked. room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "You saw the ventilator, too?" "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Then, how do you know?" over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to of receipt of the work. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "Get out!" said he. are, and they are waiting for us." two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "One horse?" interjected Holmes. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but depend upon your compliance." "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version tail." "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "No, I think that I'll take it." earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "None. Neville wrote those words." active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting his forehead." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "And help." You want to know what became of those geese?" "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "You have it, sir, just as it happened." retorted upon me, and I on you." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "What, then, did Peterson do?" unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would were new raised from a basin. in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "And who is her maid?" furiously. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "Texas, I think." "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, over here." "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir morning." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that the side-table." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With rooms." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by opportunities to fix the problem. passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman the so-precious time, but come!' you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general was shining brightly. "'And what are they worth?' I asked. unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "The knees of his trousers." back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the yards of it?' "What do you mean?" "Ah, but I was recommended to you." go from here to the Strand." "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "On your arm?" came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. take the flies, but not before." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an Stoke Moran." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which fishes. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees subject to the trademark license, especially commercial flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend look dissatisfied." investigation." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "What office?" "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in woven round him. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You existence." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not row." have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when