several quiet little villages up there." again before evening." "None. Neville wrote those words." "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. to surprise her." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have comes from the middle window." vault. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "Yes." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we few hundred pounds.' redistribution. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." him to go away.' address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall new acquaintance to Baker Street. directors, with the result that you have seen." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the purpose of examination. "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," fluttered off among the others. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the of Mr. Rucastle's." continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, emerged. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "So I have heard." one else, I think." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "He disappeared so suddenly." "And now?" He raised his hand. heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Pray do so." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "Yes, sir." dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "And what did you learn from him?" "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "It must be recovered." "Ha! you find it so?" in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "Of Friday, June 19th." "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would joking. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "There is the writing." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. the driver. It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would true." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "One of his hands." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "Really! You surprise me." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "But you can know nothing of this?" whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "None." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you this poor creature." going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and at my own good fortune. fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "Nothing." coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "Yes." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco certainly do as you advise." spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "I will, Miss Turner." office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "And what did you learn from him?" quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign morning." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly and I shall be with you presently." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with was a lad." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "Yes, all." I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and what do you think they found in the pockets?" incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat could go. brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity back to my heart. used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the bachelor.' good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "I know where it is." he died? a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of served to weaken the effect. "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "My last client of the sort was a king." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy photograph?" that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, straighten it?" "Oh, fresh and glossy." chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, should be taken.' together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "'Tell me all about it,' said I. His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" comes from the middle window." "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for cup of tea. "'I am sure if I had known--' managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds suddenly upon us." "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "Yes." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "Pray tell us what has happened to you." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "It certainly sounds feasible." would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee have been better. It is all right." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as which are rolled in Rotterdam." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie make me his representative both with the servants and with the mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "And leave your case unfinished?" to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning forbidden door. at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," for the market.' "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "'And what salary do you ask?' tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "It must be recovered." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another depend upon my doing so.' bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain strength." honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know orange pips. broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper away to you." all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for of campaign. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "But how did you gain them?" "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a imbecility!" he cried. "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon of Mr. Rucastle's." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The orange pips. from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and peculiar to him. to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason The telegram which we eventually received came late one night We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other delirious. good for you to do.' if only as a check to my own memory." forebodings. certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "You have a clue?" lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your strength." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted I have it here in my museum." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. less than 26s. 4d. street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "No, distinctly professional." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "'Ample.' "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." back to my heart. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "'Ample.' woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of visitors." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle which was all perfectly true. "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "Yes, sir." "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they delirious. was once confined in the cab my mission was practically after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "She showed me, as I told you she would." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young ran thus: remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case families. Now for the facts. paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it hand, madam?" located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from go from here to the Strand." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his read it out to me." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "I shall most certainly do so." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, there is a decided draught." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Then I do not see the point." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless everything which you would wish to know." having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of already referred to. looking up at the numbers of the houses." "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow interests were the same as his." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the Mary, has deserted me." the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "It goes to the housekeeper's room." roused himself from his reverie. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean prepare for the new role I have to play." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. been deceived." Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his lips." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over business." "No more words. Get out!" word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door States. used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his retorted upon me, and I on you." his forehead." you, my dear young lady?' owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under annoyance, but no jest. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring had a long day." "The murder was done with it." "And from a noble client?" the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "How many? I don't know." "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "Was he the only applicant?" consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter written. play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "What have you done?" asked Holmes. hopeless attempt at recovering them." the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the stammered. where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To DAMAGE. occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce new acquaintance to Baker Street. "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your paper in the air. admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary call you and give you the chance." bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the written, and locked the door of the office after me. Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend anything to a woman, for she would have her way." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of business at Coburg Square is serious." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "To an end?" morning." clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of