dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a to his chemical studies. together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry States. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, breakfast." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "I say that I have solved it." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that have had none more fantastic than this." and looked back. disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "The gentleman I describe." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I shaken than I had ever seen him. the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "How often?" "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." there!' while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "But it has twice been burgled." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "The doctor?" or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work had this final quarrel? had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And which our visitor detailed to us. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "It came here." "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, nonsense.' front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the depend upon your compliance." as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days But Holmes shook his head gravely. in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "What?" received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "But she could not love him." I held the little printed slip to the light. by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "Well, it is a possible supposition." a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his eat it." "'No, I know no one in these parts.' for the market.' have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "Imitated." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and useful material for showing traces. The double line a little have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "My dear Holmes!" happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates to take care of herself." still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "I was afraid that you were engaged." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the enter Dr. Roylott's room." house for five minutes.' Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "Entirely." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very what is your own theory as to what took place?" success. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my coroner's jury." "And the cigar-holder?" many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "It was a confession," I ejaculated. Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" one else, I think." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, time." "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her you understand?" "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. front of the hall door has given its name to the place. have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it triumphant cloud from his cigarette. though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "He said too much." wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it official police." "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two papers on the sundial.'" pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. stalked out of the room. Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where the side-table." I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot written. lids now and glanced across at his visitor. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "Never." face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "But we can't all be." "And Irene Adler?" regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a fish-monger and a tide-waiter." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes in your London, you will know that the office of the company is Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss a little more before I quite committed myself. But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: vanished into the darkness. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here of a light. not come at once?" deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my who was a member of your goose club." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has rat could hardly pass through." breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. daring than any effort of the imagination." to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again look upon these things in a different way." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "Well." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "You are certainly joking, Holmes." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "In which, sir?" chance at all." would apply.' balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "In what way?" asked Holmes. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business shoulder. "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. a room. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." envelope. our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than have been better. It is all right." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "Then the page we have seen--" smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man a very grave face. top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "'What would be the hours?' I asked. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we Henry Baker is a member." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, copied or distributed: his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and outbreak?" "I fear not." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one until night should bring an explanation. the coronet in his hands?" stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "Yes, sir." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his business." the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "Yes, it was twisted." "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast the armchair which I pushed forward for him. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an cost them two and thirty pounds." "It surprised me." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project *** START: FULL LICENSE *** with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter and it need not interfere very much with one's other "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed there." screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' the address that was given us in the advertisement. "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the Again Holmes raved in the air. to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace room had already been engaged for us. takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "A greater distance to travel." "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "I am still in the dark." sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest conversation I have gathered that they have been married about was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, are windows in it, of course?" "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you locked." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "Game for a morning drive?" behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "I guessed as much." "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "An enemy?" "Yes, sir." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the sooner or later she must fall a victim. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be generous with you in money matters.' have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs been." "Was he the only applicant?" I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was strode off upon his way. The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "And why in hopes?" "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" experiences." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "To ruin me." his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "The best possible." read it out to me." politicians who had been sent down from the North. salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to Henry Baker is a member." would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new congratulate you again." newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I room. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a and capable of preserving a secret.' you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of there is a decided draught." his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' undoubtedly my uncle's." once more. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "Where to?" truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a was a perfect sample of the class. "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "But of what society?" appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "I shall be delighted." Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "BALLARAT." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and breakfast?" reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "It is possible." He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to evidence," I remarked. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would to-night." money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to helping a boy to put up the shutters. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that jewels which you have stolen?' "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "I should like to see him very much." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "And you can do nothing until then?" "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it whereabouts. have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "No more words. Get out!" rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door relief. people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he desk.