once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I details." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still morning." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey electronic works wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend side. "You have carte blanche." face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "Very much so." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. long narrative. "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, handed it to him. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "So I am. Very much so." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you enough to aid us in our search." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "That is it on the dressing-table." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "It is his hat." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you in a very precise fashion." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into bled considerably." money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "I warn you that they are very incomplete." perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had It was close upon four before the door opened, and a shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "Nothing." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "Pray do so." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "At half-wages, in fact." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" woman who has had her own way to make in the world. you in your example." He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for leaning back in his chair. the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "That's no good." upon a handsome competence. come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of conduct the inquiry." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social once more to my work. "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his unkempt, staring out at me. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "Not I." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of lamp in his hand. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss that I may have something better before very many minutes are along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such point in the dark hollow of his hand. Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has seem to you to be relevant or not." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our my little problems." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small dates and names. Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "Of what?" surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "Can I be of assistance?" assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "And I say east," said my patient. on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has will find little credit to be gained out of this case." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "No, distinctly professional." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." begin with, and I had not got mine yet." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his fluttered off among the others. in him." pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "None." a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the companion. "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "And how?" look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked since then to throw any light upon what became of him." the one as in the other." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. since then to throw any light upon what became of him." clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very DISSOLVED. and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he enough to aid us in our search." We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "But his left-handedness." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "'Which dealer's?' "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "In the cells." Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey Count Von Kramm." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this not come at once?" which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" leave you to your papers for a little." overpowering excitement and concern. A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think daring than any effort of the imagination." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and have been better. It is all right." air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "'Yes, sir.' You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood points to suicide?" "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down sneer upon his pale face. so.' anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of suspect him." "Precisely." think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "What have you done?" asked Holmes. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. money should be paid at once.' "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. second." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and things are very often connected not with the larger but with the took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that to-night?' Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "I was mad--insane." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, someone who had been in Australia." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a emerged. relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "'Ample.' I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "You think so, too?" "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, father's young wife. enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, until night should bring an explanation. think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "Yes, sir." I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. spare." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "My dear Holmes!" since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a thought that she would have been so carried away." I nodded to show that I had heard. stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, bed dies. Does not that strike you?" have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of then?" overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "Certainly, madam." "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" of a light. from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the the general public were present, then?" other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still relief. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was ready to-morrow?' "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. a suggestive one." he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall is acting for the best. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or acquaintance?" deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our yet." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small a suggestive one." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came your sleep?' "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and throat." and effective." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a telegram would bring me down to your help." them?" midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in learned something! Where are the gems?" "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, begin with, and I had not got mine yet." yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "But how did you gain them?" "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of deduce something from that?" Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "We must sit without light. He would see it through the distance from the station, and there we found the young lady him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you spark where all is dark to me." The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no Farm upon the left." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, to tell." "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "I cannot imagine." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project at a side door. Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened examine." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly article?" the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been annoyance, but no jest. was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my how narrow had been my escape. may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "Was there a secret marriage?" the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of to-night?" I asked. Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "My last client of the sort was a king." minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "Was the window open?" again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "I cannot tell." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "The decline of his fortunes, then?" See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "Quite so. She has her freedom." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure swore that no one else had been in the front room during the following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the without a word or a look. head. So long, then!" was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can for the market.' the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. be.' "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "Frequently." "And how in the world did you find them?" me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "You were travelling in the States?" white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. troubles have been weighing upon his mind. bird of prey. for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "That is unusual in a young girl." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we everything which you would wish to know." agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of way: clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a vanished into the darkness. I nodded to show that I had heard. have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER."