with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated less than 26s. 4d. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile your bag." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." open." and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The tied." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "We were both in the photograph." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way himself in a perplexing position. alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came daring than any effort of the imagination." base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather him nearly every evening." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all placed his cuttings. main points of my analysis." open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "He is dead," cried several voices. increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." questionable one." invisible to me," I remarked. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "But he might be a bachelor." and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in questioning and rather startled gaze. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most are, and they are waiting for us." "I think that it is very probable." aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "And what did you see?" compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency business matters.' repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "So I have heard." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "Yes, it was twisted." "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly later, upon the night of May 2nd." idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but returning from some small jollification and was making his way utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on Leave Paddington by the 11:15." professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "Seven!" I answered. grasp, he hurried from the room. yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "But he might be a bachelor." the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his works. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced is a common subject for conversation. but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if third from London." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "Certainly." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means burst out into a roar of laughter. "But she will refuse." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home helping a boy to put up the shutters. as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own to a more successful conclusion." "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt fuss that is made over them." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear business came to an end." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "Then the page we have seen--" old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical depend upon my doing so.' "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very existence." On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I article?" away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "And sit in the dark?" higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the stood on the top of it. Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to perplexity from it to my illustrious client. in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own along the entire front of the house, with three long windows Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of becomes even more simple." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm have been better. It is all right." will take you up to see the machine.' "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "Where, then?" and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan nonsense.' it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have http://gutenberg.net/license). Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, my friend's incisive reasoning. "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "Oh, the cause is excellent!" observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "Not I." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "I should like to see him very much." sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are soul! here is her carriage at the door." "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "I never have." coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the my friend's incisive reasoning. "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in front of the hall door has given its name to the place. run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten is so. I know all about McCarthy." here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' The police have openly confessed that they can at present make season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss him!" among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "I would give my fortune to have them back." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I nice household for a young lady." and a shock of very red hair. front of me. for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "Oh, yes, easily." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my the window, rose as we entered. right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "At the wedding breakfast." "Yes, but only for you and me." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "That is also quite modern," said the lady. lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The instituted." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE obstinate." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my as this. Pray let me have the details." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "Why, it's a dummy," said he. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, chamber." in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "And on what day did he meet his death?" Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." this truth that in these little records of our cases which you the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. colour had been driven from his face. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose room had already been engaged for us. if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "And Irene Adler?" "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "'Then let me do so?' be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found fattened it expressly for you.' "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "At half-wages, in fact." grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn nonsense.' is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the threw himself down with his face to the pillow. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "Dr. Becher's." "Yes." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "Yes, it would be as well." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are persecution?" "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "None." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted details." certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "I cannot tell." "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "He is still with you, I presume?" "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very details." "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the as noiselessly as she had come. had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she touch that coronet?' human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and there was no need for father to know." my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER did not hear it also.' assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my had died away into the silence from which it rose. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I putting in the horse. "Not yet." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst to me. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had purpose of examination. "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the went to the Alpha were town bred." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the nice household for a young lady." I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of to you." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "How did you trace it, then?" formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "I think it very unlikely." late!' conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by tell me that you intended to go into harness." way: "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great ceremony." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to daring than any effort of the imagination." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will