had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her guilty parties." "But you have hopes?" have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "But he might be a bachelor." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own round with crates and massive boxes. girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying your billet.' "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "Yes, I have one waiting." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "It is a murder, then?" "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "By no means." house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks maid will bring up your coffee." are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "How are you getting on?" of the vacancies.' in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit himself in a perplexing position. Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism what is your own theory as to what took place?" "A greater distance to travel." and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was in his power. reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and Mary, has deserted me." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. of your young ladies.' research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the again on its way. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the so.' my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards License. You must require such a user to return or "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important feature." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "But what is it you wish?" man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well read it out to me." the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "I should be immensely obliged to you." my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and might have a private word with us. already been minutely examined." yourselves in at night?" International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not in the hope of finding them." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "'Ample.' child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "The murder was done with it." night.' said he. Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great not as remarkable as your advertisement." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that a suggestive one." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would disappearance of the bride.'" would apply.' at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an morning." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "And your father? Did you tell him?" be best to do. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. will be renamed. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with not as remarkable as your advertisement." alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked as noiselessly as she had come. conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "That also I could fathom." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in the Red-headed League." "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the them?" her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "Murdered?" was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in would apply.' been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. purpose of examination. very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in miles off. brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "Was he the only applicant?" hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "Yes, the wine-cellar." people in all walks of life. "Only as much as we can deduce." upon the white wrist. Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so and prosperity to your house. Good-night." on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "Yes." "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. despair." reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and with you alone." back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "I see no marks." same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an have not had my rubber." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "Your presence might be invaluable." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with hand, madam?" snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both here." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered begun to whiten, even as mine has." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her You want to know what became of those geese?" later, upon the night of May 2nd." place of silver." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught corner of the building. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "It is possible." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he is acting for the best. without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "But you can know nothing of this?" would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your Lee, in the county of Kent." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet even of instruction." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. fait accompli?" "Yes." possible that we could bring him back to her? in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' enter into my head. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on paper in the air. quick march!" pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular your only hope of safety." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "She walked into the breakfast-room." mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." to-night." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. least a fellow-countryman. cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "Here?" "My photograph." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "'No, I know no one in these parts.' sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close that before taking the final step I should like to submit the active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. and the whole place is in a blaze." most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. maiden herself was most instructive." Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." my little problems." for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. round with crates and massive boxes. unkempt, staring out at me. central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "Murdered?" long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "And you thought he was pulled back?" back to my heart. freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I corner of the building. astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him do you make of it all?" breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "'Yes, sir.' exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between been." mysterious end." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the sit on the left-hand side of the driver." exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your you?' web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." national property. I was determined that the law should have its for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, Pool. no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, me upon any point which I do not make clear." sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the did not hear it also.' is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, business at Coburg Square is serious." "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "Then what has happened to him?" then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her help us in this matter." blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be back alive. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "No, finished." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding works. purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and your co-operation." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I Miss Holder?" I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his man. "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "No, finished." politicians who had been sent down from the North. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an appeared upon the scene." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "But you would not advise me to refuse?" I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know II. than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "Yes." notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "No." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's happened." the station." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment empty. "Game for a morning drive?" India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil returning from some small jollification and was making his way January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. prison!" to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I meant." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his happened." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing in a friendly supper." that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to pound a week." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and asked. Watson," he said cordially. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, ourselves in the office." "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit quickly through a disagreeable task. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly married her." calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away opened the door, and slipped through. India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in minor matters until to-morrow." "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the Sutherland?" to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable never came back." "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "My opinion is in no way altered." sake, don't!" "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "And for present expenses?" family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "Very. But will he see it?" was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern