when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but chemical work which was so dear to him. my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded crackling voice. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in I shall continue with my miserable story. "Ten will be early enough." "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the there is a decided draught." Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "Yesterday." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many matter." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "Do you go out much in society?" Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "But to whom?" parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which better in every way that they should make their position a little You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" Edgeware Road. there was no need for father to know." have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet said he. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "That's no good." on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of works. doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her matter." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "Will you go?" I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy night.' said he. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "But we can't all be." heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. Doctor, of the paper and the date." outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "In the cells." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from society." "What steps will you take?" I asked. Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try thirty. some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." been anything against him. He had for years been known as a me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss of the way of danger. "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." danger is over." trying to your nerves." "What is it?" "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." his eyes and forehead. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! new acquaintance to Baker Street. I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "Look there!" said he. "I am armed." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that passage and a tap at the door. unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary success. always that they were such commands as a lady might with my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it orange pips. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man tapping his fingers upon the table. corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending client, rising. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "It's nothing of the kind." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the the south-west, I see." "'There is a drive, then?' I shall communicate with you." have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety has little to do with my story." "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this have accepted such a situation. husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the definite end. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and which our visitor detailed to us. but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into went to the Alpha were town bred." "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, fuss that is made over them." plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain assist you in forming an opinion." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who crime. to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the he. purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "I have seen the police." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "No, my brougham is waiting." can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." 1.F. "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Of what day?" before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "A greater distance to travel." twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its business at Coburg Square is serious." son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, comes from the middle window." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss could go. "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning persecution?" hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "It is possible." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a him." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "No." some city in a dream. because she had spent so short a time in this country that she that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been it." sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power suddenly upon us." bill, which interests me deeply." Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few I shall communicate with you." gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the placed his cuttings. I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She away in different directions, and I went off to make my own fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one himself. you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey charged with?" puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut I nodded to show that I had heard. wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the in him." assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." you?" all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "On the contrary, this is the right side." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "Yes, certainly." "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. call for it in person on Monday morning.' standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his was a perfect sample of the class. side. and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a as he folded up the epistle. swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "The knees of his trousers." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." seven miles from Eyford Station.' furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "What can you not understand?" clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some mystery may be cleared along those lines." found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "But how?" "'You cannot say what it was?' and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. said I. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "Very murderous indeed." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of indiscretion." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the relation between them, and what the object of his repeated in this way: the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. you." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an cost them two and thirty pounds." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did said he at last. little trying to do so much typewriting?" "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my sound at heart." Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these conclusions. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed already been minutely examined." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure with some details as to your case." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "No, thank goodness, she did not." "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who bears upon the case?" "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "'Not at all. I only doubt--' loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates October 9, 1890. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who John Swain, of St. Augustine. "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil the roots. "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle DISSOLVED. "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a suddenly upon us." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "And from a noble client?" when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of were wasted." feature." "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low little adventures." "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a just called myself is not exactly my own." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "I shall be delighted." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious you found me to-night--and running through the front room she and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to happened." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "He is dead," cried several voices. done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not might help us?" Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important directors have had misgivings upon the subject." police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest true." weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "Pray do so." intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would IS these bleak autumnal evenings." "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' shall not find me ungrateful." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. vanished into the darkness. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the society." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for This is what he says: unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest Henry Baker is a member." the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who she to prove their authenticity?" back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the she used." and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "I do." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "Indeed! Whose, then?" "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "Tired-looking or fresh?" "I assure you that I am in your hands." sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford His name is Francis Prosper." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I nonsense.' the best of training." "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" lost his Christmas dinner." affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "What will you say?" had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "I am all attention, madam." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the my special province." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father clanging. bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? over here." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then quickly through a disagreeable task. about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "And now?" He raised his hand. correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." to affect your life." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found that there was nothing in it, after all." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, Heh?' find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "And you can do nothing until then?" attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child,