with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs weighed down with some great anxiety. my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid be. "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a away into the river." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent completely overtopped every other consideration that we both fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet later, upon the night of May 2nd." a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry rose-bushes. at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the disturbance in my wife." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. get the tickets." "To an English lawyer named Norton." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "It's nothing of the kind." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom his cane at the bell-pull. slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those information in his hands the value of which he did not himself such attractions and accomplishments?' partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. upon the shelf for the interim." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most during the last few years, and there are many noble families to only touch the interest." "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "Then I am your man." "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in that still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, confronted him. reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." article?" Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions about here speaks of his kindness to him." doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or could not have written that. It is the German who is so "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "And what then?" with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "It came here." it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I status with the IRS. "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. salesman. followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. against a man in the prime of life?" cigar and let me expound." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "The King of Scandinavia." made him keep the appointment." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of unprofitable." "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "Eh? What was that?" "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for strange features which were associated with the two crimes which when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of once more on the important position which you have been fortunate go back?" connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, figure." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very most interesting one." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "It is a murder, then?" it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "And I say east," said my patient. points to suicide?" last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her gbnewby@pglaf.org "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the distinguish the words: "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "Have you it here?" there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "Very well, sir. And this stone?" When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face vault. hair?' roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried to-night?' deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know reach." emerged. her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" the matter?" this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "Holmes, the busybody!" when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "Eh? What was that?" called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "But I have heard all that you have heard." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "It is half-past ten now." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did stood on the top of it. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a away into the river." sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute if only as a check to my own memory." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate searched, without anything being found which could incriminate astonishment. envelope. home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and really the only notable feature about the thing." might help us?" Holmes' face clouded over. which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, that you can jump it.' "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend yards of it?' received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "There are none." note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by was shining brightly. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to this as likely?" address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "How can you tell that?" rose-bushes. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a she might be summoned. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin appeal." objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two before, for it was considerably after midnight. was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any For additional contact information: the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and you in yours." she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will from the brougham. is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the his knees, staring into the fire. profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until Arthur Conan Doyle the coronet in his hands?" astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have made his money." look upon these things in a different way." as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger furiously. I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "'Is 4 pounds a week.' skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable forebodings. "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. the Friday. Was it to be in church?" suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped to-morrow." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "That is also quite modern," said the lady. received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his newspaper selections." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. and no precautions can guard against." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "'Where could I find him?' "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be Leadenhall Street--and--" tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "Where did you address your letters, then?" still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. the window, rose as we entered. this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "'Then let me do so?' him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point someone who had been in Australia." stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "That is also quite modern," said the lady. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for that in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "'And what are they worth?' I asked. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it definite end. He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical everything which you would wish to know." you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. few hundred pounds.' meant." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and locked. "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start fire. You quite follow me?" papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own what these perils are?" smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back of the efforts of the United States government and of the better closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we astonishment. some terrible trap for her." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I For additional contact information: shaken than I had ever seen him. again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to ready to-morrow?' rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a that he will be back before evening." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary Countess of Morcar's?" "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "Entirely." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, of them has the shutters up.' recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" of his shoulders. "None." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, corner of the building. world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that present." it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "And on what day did he meet his death?" Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty was shining brightly. I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "And what then?" the Assizes." "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me The note was undated, and without either signature or address. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, power." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an crowd. "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended Holmes' face clouded over. present." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "Absolutely none." "I was certainly surprised to find you there." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long you do it in twenty minutes!' a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine woman." "That was it, sir." wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "It is true that I have been generally successful." "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "The vanishing of the lady." focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "I will try. What is it?" house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by