face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "Yes." him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian sofa. This way, please!" "Well?" sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the not within a twentieth part of the market price." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "Oh, yes, easily." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "She walked into the breakfast-room." of campaign. performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works seven miles from Eyford Station.' quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for Cross for the Continent." tell him that I know him to be innocent." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "'Yes, I promise.' years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "But how did you gain them?" delirious. against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock passage and a tap at the door. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "This photograph!" window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other everything which you would wish to know." wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing legal crime." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated own family. "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the his eyes and forehead. "Nor running a chance of arrest?" younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her pound a week." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "I beg pardon." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the astonishment. "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email about. down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length before, for it was considerably after midnight. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "The doctor?" Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. true." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray Count Von Kramm." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He strength in the others." my room." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the straighten it?" are, I think, all that we need." Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "Deserted you?" "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So again before evening." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a My friend smiled. sentimental considerations in the background which would induce knowledge of the world." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of whole matter to your consideration." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you would apply.' "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered he. money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what Sutherland. from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the tell me that you intended to go into harness." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. the inner apartment." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' habit of advancing money.' extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his you came in." itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in in a very precise fashion." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. breakfast." "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid are, and they are waiting for us." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I three fields round his house, and there he would take his "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "It is solved." very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me conversation I have gathered that they have been married about you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "Stoke Moran?" said he. of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker bled considerably." "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see behind me. difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily said I. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "That's no good." considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish started for the Temple to see my husband. cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "Did your wife hear all this?" tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey once more for Briony Lodge. what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly chambers. prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this wall." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, upon a handsome competence. with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, may never be exposed to such a temptation." "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the feature." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "Pray do so." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "My dear Holmes!" "Very well, sir. And this stone?" of the vacancies.' surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a exactly what you advise." about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "I beg pardon." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of cause to be." paper in the air. "Pray continue your narrative." time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get back to my heart. clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work use an arc-and-compass breastpin." other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "And sit in the dark?" Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "But how could you guess what the motive was?" panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such down. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "ARAT," I read. "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small correct than the official force." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. or other trace. But how on earth--" precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not recall any case within my experience which looked at the first of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "What will you say?" At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "Two days later this same performance was gone through under putting in the horse. "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "My last client of the sort was a king." scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "The King of Scandinavia." other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at him to be an active member of the medical profession." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "You forget that I know nothing about it." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my Street. "And from a noble client?" "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle be best to do. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss works. make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he a little more before I quite committed myself. in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting upon a handsome competence. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "So I have heard." asked with his eyes open. it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have hand, madam?" offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "I am about to be married." tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no tell me that you intended to go into harness." heavy and sharp instrument." "My photograph." "I came to find a friend." an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "There are none." "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond over with notes and figures. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "Upon what point?" "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it skylight. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of it? Did I buy the geese off you?" Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the works. got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the coroner's jury." his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "Nothing?" detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out manager. would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry straightened it out again. desk. believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "I think that I had better go, Holmes." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "No good news?" obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the him and tried to hold him back. boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own know all about it," he snarled. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed prison!" we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. washing it down with a long draught of water. face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered one which it was hard to resist. desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "What! You do not mean bodies?" Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "Yes, it would be as well." last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking hands. "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his leaning back in his chair. "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the arrangements." which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a the night.' "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At brought there to personate someone, and the real person is six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, call the police, let the police find what they can.' done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when room?" prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward himself. rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "Where did he live, then?" belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "Yes, at the mines." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." unprofitable." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "I cannot say that I have." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "It certainly sounds feasible." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "I cannot think." sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "On the contrary, this is the right side." to-night." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "Your presence might be invaluable." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "Witness: Nothing definite. of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her o'clock is it?" "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the door?" lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "What! You do not mean bodies?" sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "In heaven's name, what for?" wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "'Is purely nominal.' "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have washing it down with a long draught of water. "'How far from the body?' dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "Have you her photograph?" the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was husband's writing, madam." cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "'It is locked up,' I answered. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry