about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "What then?" Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "You have the photograph?" "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "I cannot tell." came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I at once, for I have only half an hour." so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "In what way?" asked Holmes. "What! a murderous attack?" "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold you." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "My photograph." "That is it on the dressing-table." I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold Leadenhall Street--and--" dead, shall be safe with us." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and I shall communicate with you." "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the which it had come upon my father." a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a the room while you explain this matter?" have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, the inquest, and which are worth considering." such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander have not had my rubber." with you?" with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. been." preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, read over the extraordinary announcement. the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous strength in the others." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway matter over." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who not within a twentieth part of the market price." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser Henry Baker is a member." most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "Stolen." me upon any point which I do not make clear." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice gentleman's clothes. whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "And who is her maid?" "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting have got?" "Yes. He waved his hands." "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, digesting their breakfasts at home." resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. good for you to do.' "I promise," said Holmes. built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "Certainly." "I say that I have solved it." "But she could not love him." "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich gives a meaning to it." "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no returned to France?" "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that giving me time to thank him. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I better grown goose." "That sounds a little paradoxical." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "Imitated." see a sister of mine apply for." central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "Ah, but I was recommended to you." just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "Where, indeed?" "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "Your French gold?" than was visible to me." "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a you give your casting vote to?" country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "Nothing." the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman you?" for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "On your arm?" "Awake, Watson?" he asked. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, gone before you can get him to hospital." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the closing the door. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" the morning and make my own way in the world.' Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs Foundation and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "You are hungry," I remarked. such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the later, upon the night of May 2nd." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from of the vacancies.' than to us. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "Won't it ring?" was a lad." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "If I can be of use." "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his you." hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this Dr. Gregory B. Newby sentimental considerations in the background which would induce that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in yet." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "What I expected to see." you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do minor matters until to-morrow." Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, it." of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where annoyance, but no jest. article?" "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, time." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time is now desirous of getting those letters back." "I answered that I had not. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young was used.' unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "Where, then?" into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the shadow pass over his face as I spoke. side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "So I have heard." sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I entirely lost his self-respect." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the skylight. know what is wrong with it.' them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "But not more so than I to find you." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "I was sure that I might rely on you." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square Surrey." figure." thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing here and I will read it to you: possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much Doctor, of the paper and the date." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small father's young wife. think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a dead, shall be safe with us." "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered think that any burglar could have done. "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "Quite so." there has been an enclosure here!" clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their his face. glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. away to you." three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual felt?" upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with at a side door. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless directly by questioning you." of the vacancies.' said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better again, where I was soon asleep. "I shall be delighted." this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss his face. minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with never to learn it at all." planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "Why did you beat the pavement?" pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. prepare for the new role I have to play." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "'And the work?' Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by one else, I think." "That is possible." will be renamed. iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "Nearly eleven." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step written, and locked the door of the office after me. questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third night.' said he. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "Certainly." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, suggested at once that there must be a communication between the fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "'What, the red-headed man?' lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of morning." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "ARAT," I read. keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "That is possible." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a to miss it." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door meant it for the best. guilty one." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He formed some opinion?" flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "No, I had a dozen." eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be you." "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which conduct the inquiry." to change my dress. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill License. You must require such a user to return or not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. outsides of the windows. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "I would give my fortune to have them back." to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a him. claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name nothing of it?" "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "I say that I have solved it." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there your room." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "No, finished." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "And it is--" I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "'Tell me all about it,' said I. I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong nonsense.' me what he had done with the three missing stones. "And on what day did he meet his death?" latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have narrative." "You have compromised yourself seriously." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the