a room. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked the stable lane now." feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "Yes." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to not interfere, come what may. You understand?" I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at there." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "I would pay ten." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had security.' dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed directly by questioning you." Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "But how?" which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes very morning of my second wedding." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "Never." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that you understand?" "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. his cane at the bell-pull. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were you." gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present heavily into it. When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, breakfast and whispered something to her husband. to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely was it brought him the coronet? thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "What shall I do?" size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a or other trace. But how on earth--" Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "A confidential servant?" the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for visitors." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks to that open window." him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well in this way: he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some written, and locked the door of the office after me. train.' fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my noble correspondent could be. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. jewels which you have stolen?' "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in again." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. one which it was hard to resist. in a friendly supper." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "'No, I know no one in these parts.' Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of particular state visit http://pglaf.org the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily photograph a cabinet?" in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was key turn in the lock." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly cigars in their mouths. "Always." black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, Munro.' surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, peculiar to him. his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "The murder was done with it." web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six tassel actually lying upon the pillow. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "Yes, I have one waiting." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." since then to throw any light upon what became of him." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the and the whole place is in a blaze." clang of the bell. "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "My private note-paper." "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed fear." habit of advancing money.' hand, madam?" to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he him to go away.' "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to gigantic client. shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "Absolutely none." wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a back to my heart. "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "But how?" a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, such person." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs what do you think they found in the pockets?" something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was congratulate you again." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. Sutherland. than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, with frightened eyes at his accuser. deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, October 9, 1890. "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a good for you to do.' has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his standing smiling on the door-step. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed anything to do with the matter?" Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the you." "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' or in danger--" to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to three of the beryls in it, was missing. alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment writers could invent nothing more crude." an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "Yes." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think straighten it?" "Were they all fastened this morning?" as yours." "But how?" really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was closing the door. reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of villagers almost as much as their master. "Why did you beat the pavement?" run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "Ten will be early enough." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady see a sister of mine apply for." "Which surely he restored to their owner?" sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "How are you getting on?" "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "Do you receive much company?" he asked. data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now goes." "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "Yes, sir." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "That was it, sir." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "Yes, that is the Crown." "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Just look it up, then." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of residence of the great financier. "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear deduce something from that?" "Very well, sir. And this stone?" His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to was once confined in the cab my mission was practically them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem locked. "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "Well, some hundreds of times." would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others I think that I could be of assistance to you." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and your equipment. rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, becomes even more simple." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "Of what day?" photograph?" he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for them, and came down just as you departed. perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you matter." strength." thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know tapping his fingers upon the table. that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "And I." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before fear." companion. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the call for it in person on Monday morning.' say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest most interesting one." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations question. vanished into the darkness. sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our anything to do with the matter?" which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations some city in a dream. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel clanging. sneer upon his pale face. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." o'clock is it?" and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a the dangers which encompass me." will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "What then?" photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the straightened it out again. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And You want to know what became of those geese?" he. It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with to a more successful conclusion." pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" you want, then?' of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been voice, changing her seat as requested. much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "To the police?" still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently Mary, has deserted me." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "A confidential servant?" very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the four million human beings all jostling each other within the me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim and effective." however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "Bought." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a his wife has ceased to love him." "VIOLET HUNTER." in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to and laid it on the table. all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark made his money." livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" she to prove their authenticity?" collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part not interfere, come what may. You understand?" country, and eventually married, without anyone having a very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "It is true that I have been generally successful." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and a good hundred miles off by now." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you The summons was a brief and urgent one. narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time not use it unless it is absolutely needed." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce visitors." 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "On your arm?" know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' situation." "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. since then to throw any light upon what became of him." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "'Ample.' coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an wedding?" what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "An enemy?" receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "Murdered?" been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." meant it for the best. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "It surprised me." "And why?" "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than