conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the kindly on the shoulder. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "I am sure." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "My dear Holmes!" whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "No." "It was an hour's good drive." time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have possible that we could bring him back to her? in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that presented more singular features than that which was associated brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning corner of the building. crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself fait accompli?" thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "I guessed as much." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "Then the page we have seen--" there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the key of the affair now." had this final quarrel? nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the examine." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think to talk it over. chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, the very morning of the wedding." "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "On Monday." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, answer." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant strength." It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "'A dozen yards or so.' been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. that you wished to speak to me?' tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ was a perfect sample of the class. Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between wedding?" to have been novel and of interest." Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination that admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "I am following you closely," I answered. Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never the King without delay." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "Were they all fastened this morning?" copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something Count Von Kramm." in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "I say it is." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have stalked out of the room. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "Yes. He waved his hands." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, like gravel from a pit.' "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution should be taken.' call the police, let the police find what they can.' "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "Very. But will he see it?" Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. upon an income of about 60 pounds." "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "Yes." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' forehead. then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could observed. everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "None. Neville wrote those words." was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, evidence," I remarked. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very it? Did I buy the geese off you?" battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, you, my dear young lady?' going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but one's self under obligations.' had formerly been in part my own. showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had and shall probably return to London by the evening train." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a business in the City. She little knew what. knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key pound a week." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "Witness: It was. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "But you can know nothing of this?" reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the if only as a check to my own memory." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by his grey eyes. this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "In which, sir?" clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "Yes?" papers diligently of late, have you not?" we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "Yes." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted you." remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to three fields round his house, and there he would take his perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "And when will you call?" so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, right! Sit down and let us talk it over." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all know all about it," he snarled. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in You want to know what became of those geese?" and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored digesting their breakfasts at home." you give your casting vote to?" "Come in!" said he. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. roused himself from his reverie. "'I have heard so.' of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She papers on the sundial.'" definite end. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had goes." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what the address that was given us in the advertisement. "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots might help us?" Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where pity, because in other respects you would really have done very Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "That's no good." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "The landlord of the Alpha." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "'Never,' said I. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "Why? What do you mean?" common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition is worth.' "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so remarked. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been that I can to serve you." snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "Texas, I think." "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The hour." "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those works. of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the lost nothing by them." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no sparkled upon his finger. glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my will take you up to see the machine.' the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. copied or distributed: he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and she has been waylaid. There has been no result." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! anything to do with the matter?" and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was been anything against him. He had for years been known as a owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "Ten will be early enough." should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Yes." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and to surprise her." snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature of the vacancies.' that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "One?" exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the heavily into it. lumber-room." in darkness. a suggestive one." keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to peculiar to him. "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me place of silver." "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to I have it here in my museum." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the brain must have something in it." sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with the bed, and you in that chair." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "But she could not love him." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "Thank you. And your address?" "Oh, fresh and glossy." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he brandy and water within his reach. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not pierced for earrings?" would then never go into court at all." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it are windows in it, of course?" be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "What, then?" inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "A client, then?" occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "So it appears." You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "I will get her to show me." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "Then I can wait in the next room." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred events than those which have happened in my own family." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "'You cannot say what it was?' to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "It was a confession," I ejaculated. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment politicians who had been sent down from the North. old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There never to learn it at all." "Not in a good cause." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If to-morrow." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was my special province." giving me time to thank him. incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to matter." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was be. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure events, Mr. Windibank!" were unconscious?" the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the