his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "Is he quiet?" creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." then?" "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "You are certainly joking, Holmes." woven round him. the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and becomes even more simple." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "Very murderous indeed." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered recall any case within my experience which looked at the first A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. residence of the great financier. those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you know that the truth is known." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." following enigmatical notices: When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "On your arm?" without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even which it had come upon my father." "What can it mean?" I gasped. "I know where it is." until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over notes," he said. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "Yes, but only for you and me." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; note?" ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and upon the sideboard." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about over here." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock seem to you to be relevant or not." beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "How about poison?" of this gang." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "And did you observe any change in her then?" signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper and wait." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when fat-encircled eyes. "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "'No, I know no one in these parts.' lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "Certainly." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "'Most admirably.' "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her Stoke Moran." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and and all of them with the keenest interest. morning." through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious of fine shops and stately business premises that they really see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "You did not overhear what they said?" understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards as noiselessly as she had come. spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "Ha! you find it so?" "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only Pope's Court. "He is dead," cried several voices. admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "But you were on a friendly footing?" "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the chambers. "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that Pope's Court. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite nothing of it?" twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, situation." "'Oh, no.' the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to could go. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will to-morrow." like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his forehead. shadow pass over his face as I spoke. that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from the night.' very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just observed. "So I have heard." not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "I cannot imagine." go back?" "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" have got?" threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the the room while you explain this matter?" were new raised from a basin. docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "You have the photograph?" India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "That is not always so easy." the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "Her father is very rich?" didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to IS 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "And how did you find out?" ready to-morrow?' think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a in your London, you will know that the office of the company is of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "'And what salary do you ask?' was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "'What do you call purely nominal?' both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some the inner apartment." to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you digesting their breakfasts at home." have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "But you have hopes?" bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an questioning and rather startled gaze. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which with frightened eyes at his accuser. right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "Then I can wait in the next room." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's of campaign. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: it means?" (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of there!' Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his tell them apart.' The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey fattened it expressly for you.' always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. astonishment. "An enemy?" warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." have one." "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I wanted for ourselves." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of have not had my rubber." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it during the last few years, and there are many noble families to clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that you in your example." Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I face and glided from the room. time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret DISSOLVED. week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE front of the hall door has given its name to the place. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We a suggestive one." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it father's young wife. "Game for a morning drive?" Pool. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite tail." visitors." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "Then he might have called to you?" "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured ways of our fellow-men." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your voice. "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "No." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "I am armed." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more the Friday. Was it to be in church?" vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, likely to be some crony of the landlady's." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "I would pay ten." "You think that he is dead?" such attractions and accomplishments?' on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "That sounds a little paradoxical." nothing of it?" "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of have not had my rubber." window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "In heaven's name, what for?" be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "'It is locked up,' I answered. me what he had done with the three missing stones. over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "Yes." "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "I have my revolver," said I. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the was lame." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "You were travelling in the States?" "And the cigar-holder?" upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "I am armed." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the records." is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I them?" vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to directors, with the result that you have seen." that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and conversation I have gathered that they have been married about those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after most important business. It is probable that he will be away all and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "Tired-looking or fresh?" the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against than was visible to me." of the one which your family is now devouring." "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my it." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about thought that she would have been so carried away." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he married her." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' suspect him." very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence the little opening for the ventilator is." is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of would then never go into court at all." the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the fear." bonnet, and went out." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "My opinion is in no way altered." the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "Yes." returning from some small jollification and was making his way you?' tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his swore that no one else had been in the front room during the A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has appointment with me for six o'clock?" what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, married her." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "'No, I know no one in these parts.' twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." tightly behind him. go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "Has he come with you to-night?" "You know me, then?" of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From