"Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "Do you go out much in society?" crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco I. elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out as noiselessly as she had come. carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we the salesman. order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. papers diligently of late, have you not?" "Did he not advertise?" rooms." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you respectable self." hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "I answered that I had not. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "Did you observe the colour?" "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in client, rising. in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "What?" his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that into her hand at the door and which lured her within their deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast breakfast." "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms your bag." "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason at a side door. brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "If so, much may have happened between." St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence to-morrow." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain it." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is hurried by. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be brought there to personate someone, and the real person is the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy visitors." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible the one as in the other." "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To true." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from know what is wrong with it.' the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and as yours." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. acquaintance?" stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "Do you go out much in society?" gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and the Assizes." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "Whose house is it?" you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "You have carte blanche." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. weary and pale-looking. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed the general public were present, then?" of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel electronic works overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by me. three of the beryls in it, was missing. "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who wedding?" "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed secret." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away the salesman. than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler obstinate." you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton is four-and-twenty." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is at my own good fortune. be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "Yes, it was twisted." wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far The telegram which we eventually received came late one night and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I just ask you whether you had heard it.' data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. to a more successful conclusion." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as my former friend and companion. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some reach." 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "Absolutely?" an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "Then how many are there?" 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening miles off. instincts rose up against that laugh. "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It telegram would bring me down to your help." arrangements." everything which you would wish to know." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. as noiselessly as she had come. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "By no means." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me be there in time for your coming." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without to a more successful conclusion." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts there!' have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. certainly do as you advise." Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "'About the same.' "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in and shall probably return to London by the evening train." his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "Stolen, then." "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of populous neighbourhood." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as Lestrade of Scotland Yard." read over the extraordinary announcement. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by over his head with a sweet womanly caress. my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his how narrow had been my escape. The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "Very. But will he see it?" him." when your master had gone out." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. chill to my heart. for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated passage and a tap at the door. "Well, it is a possible supposition." the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime will he say when he returns?" what is your own theory as to what took place?" behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with conversation I have gathered that they have been married about its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's them?" undoubtedly my uncle's." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, were new raised from a basin. his face. saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed my secret was safe in his possession. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "But of what society?" "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would nothing with him." "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. morning." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss whatever might befall. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, hereditary King of Bohemia." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond three of the beryls in it, was missing. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to Holmes' thin, eager face. see me here to avoid scandal." make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of prison!" He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You Edgeware Road. fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "Murdered?" She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he nonsense.' Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones matter." "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel DAMAGE. metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." the best of training." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried burst out into a roar of laughter. "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the burst out into a roar of laughter. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." wanted for ourselves." were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you telegram would bring me down to your help." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a one of them." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to through." "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again might help us?" ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "And how have you succeeded?" "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time disappearance of the bride.'" Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and business." remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into walking." enter Dr. Roylott's room." thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds down. nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the as noiselessly as she had come. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in him." piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband south, for the country is more deserted there." The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and once more for Briony Lodge. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from so far?" "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the the Friday. Was it to be in church?"