he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that there were one or two details which were new to me. But the upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "'Quite sure, dad.' "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "But you have hopes?" "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "How are you getting on?" "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "'As governess?' suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most the address that was given us in the advertisement. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "But who is he?" people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "I don't say that. Perhaps." is worth.' Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not was lame." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see hardly wander." o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a husband's writing, madam." observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord the very morning of the wedding." of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in that I may have something better before very many minutes are akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "It is very kind of you." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "Very truly yours, morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was as yours." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "Ample." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This deduce something from that?" is four-and-twenty." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste about here speaks of his kindness to him." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, roused himself from his reverie. "Ample." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "And how did he make his money?" to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the really the only notable feature about the thing." had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went troubles have been weighing upon his mind. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. this Miss Turner." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "No, I had a dozen." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before outbreak?" and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "It is a murder, then?" "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "9th. McCauley cleared. Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "'I have already given you my word.' into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "My photograph." "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "My last client of the sort was a king." goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working cost them two and thirty pounds." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, do you make of it all?" already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "I say it is." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who system of imprisonment?" sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what You can understand that this register and diary may implicate same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the stood on the top of it. suggested at once that there must be a communication between the mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better society." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the strong and stiff." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, For additional contact information: "How often?" death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "From his hat?" in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "Your French gold?" as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." business." bird I ate is country bred." my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, people don't know." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start reach." specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "I assure you that I am in your hands." who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which situation." hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the correct than the official force." "Eh? What was that?" "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "The Cedars?" very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "'About the same.' "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his the house with me." "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the father's young wife. detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase throat." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he me. "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "They are typewritten," I remarked. "She walked into the breakfast-room." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should at my own good fortune. before, for it was considerably after midnight. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "Holmes, the busybody!" particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the in darkness. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said will find little credit to be gained out of this case." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which said he at last. elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check have been better. It is all right." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." open." him nearly every evening." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the make me his representative both with the servants and with the handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at papers must be those that are destroyed.' arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel bare slabs of marble. "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "Nearly eleven." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any I have it here in my museum." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes I approached. meant it for the best. for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has answered with a sidelong glance. a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my During two years I have had three consultations and one small which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "And you can do nothing until then?" a good hundred miles off by now." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." upon the white wrist. "What will you say?" Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon States. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him with you alone." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is morning." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last bird I ate is country bred." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, said I. he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned anything to do with the matter?" present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "Pray do so." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped prove to be little relation between the different incidents of wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for and inquire as to the address." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, before the coroner and the police-court." and the church but not where the lady lived." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End that after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "Your presence might be invaluable." determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen man. I know him from the photograph." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take next day. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, simple cases which are so extremely difficult." after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" and all of them with the keenest interest. the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "One horse?" interjected Holmes. the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "No, distinctly professional." make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a at my remark. "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first lamp. Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "She showed me, as I told you she would." direction." if I call to-morrow?" however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and served to weaken the effect. "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since investigation." breakfast." heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." other, as fresh and trim as possible. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made Lestrade of Scotland Yard." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "That sounds a little paradoxical." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." John Swain, of St. Augustine. Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying photograph?" took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' will be renamed. find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just society." States. liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates golden eyeglasses. Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you that you can jump it.' few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside writers could invent nothing more crude." It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "But what will you do?" "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "By no means." broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "She told me to ask you." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking bearing upon the case." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "Have you it here?" "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself more solid." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." triumphant cloud from his cigarette. his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "I know where it is." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "Not particularly." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me was used.' "Really! You surprise me." that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked matter." "By no means." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. his forehead." "No." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "'What would be the hours?' I asked. to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "Who by?" part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible tightly behind him. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "So I heard. You have him here?" north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't letters?" very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "That is it on the dressing-table." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "Was he the only applicant?" mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But telegram would bring me down to your help." heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "Yes?" comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. breakfast?" mysterious business." rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, could not account in any way for the presence of the missing through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the lost his Christmas dinner." no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "My own seal." Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." developed." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting there when the Rucastles went away." five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but