The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical pound a week." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "What are they?" they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." points to suicide?" The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "I cannot imagine." south, for the country is more deserted there." back to my heart. "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "And help." his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could you, my dear young lady?' Watson," he said cordially. "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me distance from the station, and there we found the young lady child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "It surprised me." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled Street. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon was it brought him the coronet? arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "I was afraid that you were engaged." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." less than 26s. 4d. The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, once more for Briony Lodge. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." hour." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The introspective fashion. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She with some details as to your case." is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond Pool. "Yes, sir." utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman meant it for the best. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had about. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would foresight and the moral retrogression?" his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "How often?" interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. conclusions. One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "How many? I don't know." "Very truly yours, extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "And is that all?" was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter sneer upon his pale face. the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler of it with the greatest attention. page at http://pglaf.org this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "Not social, then?" asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "Your sister is dead, then?" lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but gone before you can get him to hospital." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "I cannot imagine." have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "Just look it up, then." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "'What would be the hours?' I asked. you." wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "Was there a secret marriage?" estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. companion. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. it with his own hands." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable ventilator." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "Never." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do little trying to do so much typewriting?" fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his at once, for I have only half an hour." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is since then to throw any light upon what became of him." hopeless attempt at recovering them." "I am still in the dark." "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing assist you in forming an opinion." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her answered with a sidelong glance. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "It is his hat." short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural was a lad." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with unkempt, staring out at me. reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "Here?" Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, in his power. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "Precisely." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "Ah!" been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "I have a cab outside." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "I should wish to." come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "In heaven's name, what for?" the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. searched, without anything being found which could incriminate the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, Sutherland. often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more subject to the trademark license, especially commercial doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the felt the room to be a little close.' skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "I have come for advice." the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for gigantic client. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "Nothing." "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and wife's character?" who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "Not yet." arrested. You then--" "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his the bed, and you in that chair." his face. test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "I will do it." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want main points of my analysis." Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low awkward doing business with an alias." wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few hurried away. guilty one." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "The Cedars?" endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the telegram would bring me down to your help." "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. question you as to those details which seem to me to be most dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "Pray do so." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our characteristics, but those are the more obvious." day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper fear." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "I will, Miss Turner." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a matter." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine unkempt, staring out at me. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from to Leatherhead. she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' here and I will read it to you: if only as a check to my own memory." the bottom.' SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "Was your sister dressed?" considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "Why serious?" ashen face. You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "My dear Holmes!" sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "To an end?" presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "'Yes, sir.' cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the one which it was hard to resist. them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on was it brought him the coronet? Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "But you were on a friendly footing?" plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the place of silver." and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. what do you think they found in the pockets?" "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him taking in every detail of the apartment. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been wall." lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." like gravel from a pit.' fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "Yes, the wine-cellar." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your what is your own theory as to what took place?" letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "And your father? Did you tell him?" "And how?" who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we amused." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the your equipment. into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would fait accompli?" "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the the little opening for the ventilator is." contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "I think it very unlikely." fait accompli?" wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for be.' so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "No." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "Quite so. She has her freedom." heavy and sharp instrument." still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "Certainly." Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "'Which dealer's?' red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "But how?" away to you." sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same morning." it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in 1.F. avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a brought there to personate someone, and the real person is as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it upon a handsome competence. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "Then you may be so with me." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "ARAT," I read. listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he of your young ladies.' "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "My own seal." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well room. Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. had a long day." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that mysterious business." him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses learned something! Where are the gems?" police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of leaning back in his chair. "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or the one as in the other." and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether him. "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me shaken than I had ever seen him. there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "But your client--" not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "No, but the enclosure is." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and good for you to do.' make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for the iron safe, which he closed upon it. heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were young Openshaw's." drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the retorted upon me, and I on you." the south-west, I see." "How about poison?" "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "Yes, it was twisted." farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. like gravel from a pit.' perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the ready to-morrow?' really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, gentleman's clothes. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "It was." "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you extraordinary contortions. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "'Yes, sir.' affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "Where did you address your letters, then?" to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "No sign of it?" how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' putting in the horse. a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to true." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "It must be recovered." this man was intellectual?" "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence