his knees, staring into the fire. the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it strange features which were associated with the two crimes which why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that that I can to serve you." "It is no ordinary one." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her yet." "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner outbreak?" I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would pound a week." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "I cannot tell." "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and good-night and bustled off upon her way. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new presume?" that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who province." window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a interested in these little problems, and since you are good so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open discontent upon his features. story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The once more for Briony Lodge. pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "That was it, sir." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank all?" And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a was it brought him the coronet? India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any interests were the same as his." "My photograph." however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his correct than the official force." looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "What, then, did Peterson do?" cause to be." "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "Ten will be early enough." it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a any." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "Come in!" said Holmes. the inner apartment." Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John four million human beings all jostling each other within the fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as spark where all is dark to me." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its writers could invent nothing more crude." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on at my remark. "'Yes, I promise.' "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned morning." income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post relief. journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "Of what?" began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I weary and pale-looking. Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "You heard nothing yourself last night?" should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "What! Had he lost his wife?" base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "Oh, yes, easily." other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "Not particularly." cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." forecastle of an emigrant ship. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with back to my heart. "And how in the world did you find them?" not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "Then I am your man." said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "He is dead," cried several voices. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort the so-precious time, but come!' that before taking the final step I should like to submit the even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come straightened it out again. Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and to change my dress. presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "Quite so. She has her freedom." Sutherland?" begun to whiten, even as mine has." to-morrow." matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The that threaten you." "Holmes, the busybody!" our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg you?' was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "How long did she speak to this Alice?" problems help me to do so." "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes been." from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is hereditary King of Bohemia." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a light and attacked it." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "You have carte blanche." fuss that is made over them." St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn a good hundred miles off by now." spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "May I see it?" halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in Cross for the Continent." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "Now, then, what's the last entry?" begin with, and I had not got mine yet." business?" devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country from you?" "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "It goes to the housekeeper's room." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most matter." direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was she to prove their authenticity?" "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "Nothing?" are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "Yes, there are nearly always some there." infinite languor in his face. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled his knees, staring into the fire. landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked Leave Paddington by the 11:15." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is bore every mark of being an average commonplace British observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's back into the street. would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he ventilator." of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the bachelor.' extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "And I to find an enemy." goes." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: as the one I chose?' "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "One horse?" interjected Holmes. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' desk. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his man. "Never to return." It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to said he. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He breakfast." devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "That's no good." presume?" "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the later, upon the night of May 2nd." child?' and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed woven round him. "Stolen." pressing in one house as in another. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, what do you think they found in the pockets?" "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "And your father? Did you tell him?" his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a good-night and bustled off upon her way. subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it most important business. It is probable that he will be away all absorbing." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I himself to tell his story. moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is down. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the throat." train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see your co-operation." "He said that you could solve anything." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." you." and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously think that he is innocent?" It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to I shall communicate with you." could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a bell. Holmes whistled. with frightened eyes at his accuser. they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking my room." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "And you thought he was pulled back?" "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the undoubtedly my uncle's." can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "So I am. Very much so." and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We his fortune, and I went back to pa. "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at time." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid said I. "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Then he might have called to you?" round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "It surprised me." was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah outside. be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "Was he the only applicant?" ago." though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "'Quite sure, dad.' had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "Yes." possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold be. out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for clang of the bell. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "And why?" it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were hereditary King of Bohemia." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "No legal papers or certificates?" "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the asked with his eyes open. minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "What can it mean?" I gasped. "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after absolutely follow my advice in every respect." Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "And for present expenses?" in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "My photograph." abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his little trying to do so much typewriting?" time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of