"Pray tell us what has happened to you." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, orange pips. "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, Heh?' arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be Eyford." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a the very letters. But what is this written above them?' upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I most interesting one." husband's writing, madam." in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the into the bag, and made for the door. "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, gbnewby@pglaf.org photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain It was close upon four before the door opened, and a the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the electronic works to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "Not him." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the What do you deduce from it?" "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. for securing the situation." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "Have you her photograph?" editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" said I. peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She that threaten you." "But what is it you wish?" arrested. You then--" without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue page at http://pglaf.org look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than swore that no one else had been in the front room during the me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "'Ten to two.' "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of business." very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were it were putty." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his in my life." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang your Highness to the police-station?" Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a fluttered off among the others. I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that hair?' then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "It was." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the you understand?" has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "How often?" London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "No good news?" is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "It is half-past ten now." "'Very good.' Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting there is a decided draught." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "You horrify me!" home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no note?" What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "My dear Holmes!" vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar to tackle the facts." "Very much so." to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, was not a bird to be seen there. "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a sooner or later she must fall a victim. "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "But it has twice been burgled." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "'A dozen yards or so.' you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "BALLARAT." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "And that is--" client, rising. are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of Holmes." "On Monday." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what little adventures." could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, really the only notable feature about the thing." "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my presume?" every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, depend upon your compliance." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the these bleak autumnal evenings." "And what did you learn from him?" he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at the coronet in his hands?" sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's death." takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "At what time?" "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "And how have you succeeded?" stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the tail." the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "On the contrary, this is the right side." "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, gigantic client. "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking and it need not interfere very much with one's other the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an since then to throw any light upon what became of him." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "But we can't all be." and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, reach." "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of next day. look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. eavesdroppers?' and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." to have that photograph." certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "But she will refuse." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked but preventing her from injuring another. "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your key turn in the lock." serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring better grown goose." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "Yes, sir." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then wedding?" her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking an introduction to him?" "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it in him." or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "Never to return." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" three of the beryls in it, was missing. unprofitable." You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "My private note-paper." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not observed. she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "'Is purely nominal.' morning." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. not, dad?" she asked. "That is possible." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm Heh?' about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked late!' signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a too. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' dear old homesteads?" Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, posted to-day." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search is acting for the best. Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my fashion which was peculiar to him. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had on re-entering her father's house?" "'What are you doing there?' he asked. and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' said he. "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was knowledge of the world." it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "I promise," said Holmes. and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own might help us?" here." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, colonel looking down at me. "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, British peeress.'" journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of again, where I was soon asleep. "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "Yes, certainly." with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "'Yes, sir.' upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "Pray let us have it, for all that." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did respectable self." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of murdered man." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the father's young wife. defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your envelope. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how politicians who had been sent down from the North. is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I ill-usage at the hands of fortune. Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "But who is he?" sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his at a side door. "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry galvanised. grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an This is what he says: slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a simple cases which are so extremely difficult." the bottom.' window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire down from London to inquire more deeply into it." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it will take you up to see the machine.' that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet hour." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "We have tried and failed." "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such in the port of London." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any your room." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the papers must be those that are destroyed.' elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never remarked. There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, hour." feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we always that they were such commands as a lady might with a little more before I quite committed myself. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton