begun to whiten, even as mine has." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not direction." quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "But what is it you wish?" opened the door, and slipped through. To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "That you are never beaten." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: was used.' fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us that?' drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "And for present expenses?" for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "Frequently." then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "'Ten to two.' "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is place, I think that there is good ground to think that the was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my nights." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Nothing." room?" I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." garden below. I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "No, thank goodness, she did not." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon it. very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" time." metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "How can you tell that?" "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it woman." say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "The vanishing of the lady." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the matter." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at help us in this matter." interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "Was there a secret marriage?" the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and third from London." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "Stoke Moran?" said he. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad him nearly every evening." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general Miss Holder?" who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "Very truly yours, in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very to have that photograph." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the nonsense.' self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "I am armed." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. know what is wrong with it.' left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "Perfectly so." standing smiling on the door-step. sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power outsides of the windows. "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? to Leatherhead. of receipt of the work. the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the dead, shall be safe with us." Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest behind me. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they the night.' "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. formed some opinion?" "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I secret." "It is possible." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where Doctor, of the paper and the date." wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from of his shoulders. Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where seen the man in the road." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he enter into my head. Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. shag which I had seen upon the previous night. protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "Get out!" said he. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us the morning and make my own way in the world.' "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been had this final quarrel? shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. and shall probably return to London by the evening train." room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. details." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then rose-bushes. business at Coburg Square is serious." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from over with notes and figures. of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable status with the IRS. of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them should be so warm over such a trifle." lips." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic business." "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the thirty. "And your mother is alive?" hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client do.' must be when I saw the door open.' habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he swore that no one else had been in the front room during the all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and unprofitable." shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without generous with you in money matters.' Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "No, I am descending." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She during that time.' gentleman's clothes. Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the of campaign. for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an husband's writing, madam." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "And how in the world did you find them?" reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "In San Francisco, a year ago." lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I possible that we could bring him back to her? "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the and inquire as to the address." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "Witness: Nothing definite. own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall prisoner's face. her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "You don't mind breaking the law?" "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very and glanced through. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love papers on the sundial.'" pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager new acquaintance to Baker Street. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads the one as in the other." Pool. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, your Highness to the police-station?" deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. morning." "The Coroner: What do you mean? "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began such person." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon best detective that ever lived. "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "Where to?" "'Yes.' "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "I have a cab outside." hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" interest. They are important, you understand, without being "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving hour?' obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in at a side door. way: "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped Eyford." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind opportunities to fix the problem. of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what fatally injured? are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or know all about it," he snarled. It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four residence of the great financier. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "Well." He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at said he. ashen face. "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "Certainly." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the my secret was safe in his possession. cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. gone before you can get him to hospital." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, the coronet in his hand?" "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain The telegram which we eventually received came late one night of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "Was he the only applicant?" handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "It may not come to that," said Holmes. he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "Yes, the wine-cellar." vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "Ten will be early enough." "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock tightly behind him. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "On the contrary, this is the right side." His name is Francis Prosper." "So I have heard." which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "Then the page we have seen--" the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a again, where I was soon asleep. it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "I have a cab outside." will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." people don't know." her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "Dirty?" been able to understand it, in a very few words. "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the key turn in the lock." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue is," said he presently: read it out to me."