"Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give and the church but not where the lady lived." "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an go from here to the Strand." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, everything which you would wish to know." about. suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "But I am all in the dark." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' me have 200 pounds?' look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed sneer upon his pale face. the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been companion. October 9, 1890. awkward doing business with an alias." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this overpowering excitement and concern. his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was charge against him will break down." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the since then to throw any light upon what became of him." smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "If so, much may have happened between." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon I approached. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the would then never go into court at all." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "Ten will be early enough." case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "Married! When?" by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "But his left-handedness." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I or in danger--" "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "How are you getting on?" Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his careless servant girl?" crowd. and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing business in the City. She little knew what. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, your bag." column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He at my remark. years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic of your young ladies.' recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" allusion to a rat. weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 the date of his supposed suicide." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose name is different." "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "Entirely." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel think you a quite exceptional woman." protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. evidence," I remarked. invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his this as likely?" prove to be little relation between the different incidents of there was no need for father to know." have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "Very much so." but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it James Windibank. Voilà tout!" envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "A call for help, you thought?" still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. horse could go." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "You horrify me!" to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached country, and eventually married, without anyone having a entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would I took the paper from him and read as follows: what I may call a really hard day's work." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of I nodded again. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the gentleman's clothes. his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the Count Von Kramm." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "It is solved." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own started for the Temple to see my husband. anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the you in yours." to tell." gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. other, as fresh and trim as possible. "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "And from a noble client?" screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "And how have you succeeded?" "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have attention." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he God! What an exposure! What can I do?" particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing questioning and rather startled gaze. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "'As governess?' The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "And who is her maid?" things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." used to be." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young skylight. property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "You have compromised yourself seriously." sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite weapon." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "He is dead," cried several voices. make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the go back?" humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' a monotonous occupation." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "Ah, but I was recommended to you." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am enter into my head. might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but this unhappy family?" the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in be best to do. sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening wall." "Precisely." know all about it," he snarled. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. since then to throw any light upon what became of him." his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "Holmes, the busybody!" up this clue while it is still hot." DAMAGE. would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "That you are never beaten." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. present." might have a private word with us. any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be most interesting one." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close already referred to. "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I own family. Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? child?' up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet someone who had been in Australia." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "Where, then?" was the fact that his father should, according to his account, frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "I cannot tell." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning meant." know that the truth is known." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs fire. You quite follow me?" remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "No." "And I." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" open." He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would himself to hunt down. "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his to arrive at through this?" touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in standing smiling on the door-step. problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be been with you?" "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set *** START: FULL LICENSE *** you." "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "Entirely." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend constraint." jewels which you have stolen?' mystery may be cleared along those lines." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that memory. a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "And what did you see?" case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the her also." and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a only touch the interest." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been has little to do with my story." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business some place of shelter and let the county police know what has set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the take the flies, but not before." of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "To an end?" "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or drawing your inferences." face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It this poor creature." "How did he come?" arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of Munro.' "But of what society?" has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your appeal." calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "Yes." sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. and all of them with the keenest interest. "Yes, sir." "Why did you pick him?" "An enemy?" "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "Where did he live, then?" grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she stammered. the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away there is a decided draught." "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits him and tried to hold him back. clanging. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out cheerful." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do said he. friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of said Mr. Holder. side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "A confidential servant?" and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "You have but to name it." even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, point in the dark hollow of his hand. waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and Clair, of Lee." from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "Pray do so." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three grasp, he hurried from the room. as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but jewels which you have stolen?' in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. been shamefully used." is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "No, my brougham is waiting." main points of my analysis." but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by she to prove their authenticity?" house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have bell. Holmes whistled. of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the has little to do with my story." over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "'Ample.' pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. certainly do as you advise." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "And why in hopes?" "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the