Serpentine Avenue. collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece that I can to serve you." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "Come in!" said Holmes. open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "It is to him that this trophy belongs." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this fishes. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact wedding?" "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in things are very often connected not with the larger but with the sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this voice, changing her seat as requested. wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well the warnings." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was McCarthy." grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "May I see it?" "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "No, I am descending." would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "Frequently." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "My photograph." British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs burst into a hearty fit of laughter. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I at home. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the upon an income of about 60 pounds." remarked. black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been and laid it on the table. "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot Have you good authority for what you say?" Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The noble correspondent could be. Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "Yes." the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "Did you become engaged then?" in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should but preventing her from injuring another. however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of locked. "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security gone before you can get him to hospital." "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "You know me, then?" "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk of receipt of the work. "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "Will you go?" in one or two places in England?' were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a test if we have an answer to our advertisement." present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to the little opening for the ventilator is." and the whole place is in a blaze." casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." heavily into it. is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four that you saw all that I did." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." done what I asked you, Jones?" outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "Your sister is dead, then?" latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "The landlord of the Alpha." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, to talk it over. "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "You have carte blanche." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations least a fellow-countryman. and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "'Yes, sir.' "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." opened the door, and slipped through. a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "Was he the only applicant?" quick march!" you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing green of the new foliage. "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "Then you may entirely rely on me." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. newspaper selections." "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "Has he come with you to-night?" last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall voice. "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again telegram would bring me down to your help." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are is worth.' and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary himself to tell his story. 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the lamp in his hand. so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" floor. relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "Who by?" watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "It is possible." success. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. round with crates and massive boxes. of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon less than 26s. 4d. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook through." all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the call for protection in the marriage market, for the present families. Now for the facts. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "What then?" a very grave face. being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and me." docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the lamp in his hand. name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address drawing your inferences." article?" with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very persecution?" "Ample." handed it to him. "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has upon the sideboard." should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good shaken than I had ever seen him. answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my situation." the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture most interesting one." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster colour had been driven from his face. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing washing it down with a long draught of water. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But remarked. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': the dangers which encompass me." opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "One horse?" interjected Holmes. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It to a more successful conclusion." important." rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "Here?" not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that the inner apartment." o'clock is it?" he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his call you and give you the chance." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had locked." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "Not in a good cause." bears upon the case?" and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper again." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "No. His orders were to stay in the house." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do joking. redistribution. but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself distinguish the words: there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "This photograph!" stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "Pray tell us what has happened to you." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "Ah, but I was recommended to you." in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of your only hope of safety." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from better in every way that they should make their position a little life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a with some details as to your case." and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." quick march!" "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as once more for Briony Lodge. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place DAMAGE. and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its anything to do with the matter?" "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "I came to find a friend." "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "'And the work?' of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his empty. however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "I cannot tell." showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the floor. He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. said he, "my real name is James Ryder." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "The murder was done with it." serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "Where is it, then?" possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "No, I had a dozen." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what are, and they are waiting for us." "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, get her out of the way." room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "'You cannot say what it was?' mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "But she will refuse." together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the your troubles." from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "Who by?" The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in be best to do. all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect following enigmatical notices: with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "'Which dealer's?' pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what tightly behind him. "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be was a lad." "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting Surrey." "One of the highest in England." that, and I came down." "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "I was certainly surprised to find you there." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a and capable of preserving a secret.' mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "I have solved it." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to questioning and rather startled gaze. "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "What office?" Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "I should wish to." stepfather?" streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was paper in the air. without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "Nor running a chance of arrest?" outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage man. row." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "Awake, Watson?" he asked. the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "Could he throw no light?" occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "You are hungry," I remarked. not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "I cannot say that I have." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly affair. her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had looking up at the numbers of the houses." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter beyond words. events than those which have happened in my own family." points to suicide?" return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very questionable one." shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of to-night." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them shoulder; "he's all right." feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal