and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "Of what day?" hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you III. "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was had this final quarrel? very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, the window, rose as we entered. was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think despair." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or up this clue while it is still hot." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." the bed, and you in that chair." "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "Texas, I think." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near even so self-evident a thing as that." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of my little problems." return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. where we are going." agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate remarked. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On to surprise her." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." you." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "What then?" harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp examine." red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "One?" he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New directors have had misgivings upon the subject." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk opportunities to fix the problem. respectable self." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a disappearance of the bride.'" lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "I will get her to show me." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "This concluded the examination of the witness." manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue ceremony." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the of this gang." we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" as he folded up the epistle. see a sister of mine apply for." little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that already referred to. "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Witness: Nothing definite. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "It goes to the housekeeper's room." perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money back alive. "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "I beg pardon." "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "What I expected to see." tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. me where it went to?" cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock she might be summoned. fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "My own seal." "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "How often?" "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an and laid it on the table. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid into her hand at the door and which lured her within their protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation good-night and bustled off upon her way. nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said you give your casting vote to?" rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the the very morning of the wedding." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "But what harm can there be in that?" disappearance of the bride.'" "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine my secret was safe in his possession. where she found matters as described by the last witness. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been been able to understand it, in a very few words. "You were travelling in the States?" weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, of a light. interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the if I call to-morrow?" central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, the armchair which I pushed forward for him. said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the here." highroad, where all traces were lost. "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote Clair, of Lee." all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is before, for it was considerably after midnight. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I learned something! Where are the gems?" room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed rat could hardly pass through." near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "What do you mean?" two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "Murdered?" "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they cigars in the box." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want invisible to me," I remarked. dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "Never." Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "This photograph!" last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the envelope. may have an influence upon European history." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a vanished into the darkness. like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." it." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler one of the states of the Union." clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "But your client--" money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "Ten will be early enough." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a one's self under obligations.' seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and politicians who had been sent down from the North. signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the despaired of." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have so far?" laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, fat-encircled eyes. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "Breckinridge is his name." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "And that is--" "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own best detective that ever lived. companion. waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a think, you have already met." recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to three of the beryls in it, was missing. that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in was used.' probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps locked." easy-going way." Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from dead, shall be safe with us." light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by derbies." footfalls from the street. "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "What then?" observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, you." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "A greater distance to travel." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." you understand?" had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a not come at once?" however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I guilty parties." Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." 11:15.' But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events conceal it?" casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "A client, then?" going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of next day. "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "I am all attention, madam." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any green of the new foliage. she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you present." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "Yesterday." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most walking." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so ago." it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms could not account in any way for the presence of the missing handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "No?" sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father congratulate you again." well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save fatally injured? usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "Precisely." she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and chamber." "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "Frequently." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as and the whole place is in a blaze." took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' will take you up to see the machine.' "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done out of this horrible affair." right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he the coronet in his hand?" meant it for the best. the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" of it with the greatest attention. that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "What will you do, then?" "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" States. to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would him and tried to hold him back. very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "What of the rat, then?" daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham later, upon the night of May 2nd." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, Count Von Kramm." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "Has he come with you to-night?" "Imitated." "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "And that is--" door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was your sleep?' everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall my former friend and companion. him nearly every evening." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "No." "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and the side-table." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in just called myself is not exactly my own." thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an very old mansion. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but good-night and bustled off upon her way. have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be