the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "None." once more to my work. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had that he will be back before evening." bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. bill, which interests me deeply." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases begin with, and I had not got mine yet." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "And your father? Did you tell him?" reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well o'clock is it?" salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by prisoner's face. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "No, but the enclosure is." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), tell them apart.' "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need few hundred pounds.' "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' the Friday. Was it to be in church?" nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he straighten it?" into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "In the cells." his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email made his money." the King without delay." money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in happened." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew Does that suggest anything?" a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He quickly through a disagreeable task. me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "From his hat?" leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "If so, much may have happened between." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "No more words. Get out!" when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a shag which I had seen upon the previous night. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, to surprise her." Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, said I. answer." clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "'Never,' said I. makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "In heaven's name, what for?" "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "I see many objections to any such theory." compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "'What then?' I asked. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the in a very precise fashion." saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of confronted him. his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to chamber." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in go back?" I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "No." same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from three of the beryls in it, was missing. "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to coat-tails." "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of Stoke Moran." "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices derbies." blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable invisible to me," I remarked. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William in the hope of finding them." "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "In San Francisco, a year ago." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding because she had spent so short a time in this country that she sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in served to weaken the effect. "Really! You surprise me." "He said that you could solve anything." "You have it, sir, just as it happened." the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was his wife has ceased to love him." is acting for the best. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very success. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "I was sure that I might rely on you." she used." have been better. It is all right." on re-entering her father's house?" plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I laugh and put his lips to my ear. and that he would see to anything that turned up. "Upon what point?" "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "Nothing?" and laid it on the table. has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "So it appears." "Yes, there are nearly always some there." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, ways including including checks, online payments and credit card address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert front of the hall door has given its name to the place. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several security.' It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "What steps will you take?" I asked. "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "My photograph." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "It is no ordinary one." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "Where is it, then?" help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a then?" the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He particular state visit http://pglaf.org name is different." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "And help." "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the annoyance, but no jest. deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark Pool. "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "I saw her in conversation with her maid." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was views." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "No, I had a dozen." that you saw all that I did." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves IS "What office?" of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "No, I think that I'll take it." instituted." for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "Come in!" said Holmes. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "I cannot as yet see any connection." "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "And now?" I asked. "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after American. Then who could this American be, and why should he Does that suggest anything?" "And for present expenses?" toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. stalked out of the room. lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one it right.' without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "'Certainly,' I answered. cigar and let me expound." a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low footfalls from the street. certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "Well, but China?" "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took upon a handsome competence. problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case cause to be." "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a when you have done it." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during point our research must commence, and we will begin it by photograph a cabinet?" morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought morning." instituted." man. with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, to tell." it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the quite distinctive." the little opening for the ventilator is." "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast tear off another piece?' at a side door. in the dead of the night?' of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "None." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, not use it unless it is absolutely needed." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "I am sure." beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest and I shall be with you presently." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "We have tried and failed." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "Because he was handy and would come cheap." his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a triumphant cloud from his cigarette. back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "I will try. What is it?" is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "One of the highest in England." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all neither fascinating nor artistic." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a of." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "I came to find a friend." the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "Oh, the cause is excellent!" de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "Oh, the cause is excellent!" thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, where we are going." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been anything to do with the matter?" which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my rose-bushes. in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy nights." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. What do you deduce from it?" St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to excitement. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See our word." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "'Why that?' I asks. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "Yes." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "And from a noble client?" "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather daring than any effort of the imagination." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting back alive. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "Was your sister dressed?" upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "What can you not understand?" that you can jump it.' "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between during the last few years, and there are many noble families to Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. Munro.' Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the the bed, and you in that chair." present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said again, where I was soon asleep. "It is a murder, then?" "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "Certainly, madam." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though this Miss Turner." do." "That's no good." "Deserted you?" reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "But not more so than I to find you." the loss of it. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This if only as a check to my own memory." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, approach us with offers to donate. remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform bachelor.' to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the already referred to. floor. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been it were putty." appeal." "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. Arthur Conan Doyle his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "I would give my fortune to have them back." seen the man in the road." chill to my heart. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a what I may call a really hard day's work." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "What! a murderous attack?" sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "Proceed, then." Holmes." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "Thank you. Pray proceed." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a head. So long, then!" a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "To ruin me." The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several