problems help me to do so." to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the straighten it?" girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off until night should bring an explanation. suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "When did she vanish, then?" address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and answered with a sidelong glance. in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional Literary Archive Foundation pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his with you alone." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should speckled band?" companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "None." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at forebodings. took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he individual and becomes the badge of a society." heavy and sharp instrument." it." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "No. What a strange idea!" expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "Then, how do you know?" the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "Yes?" "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never over part of the map. "What do you read?" work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 works. to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "It goes to the housekeeper's room." but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall whatever might befall. approach us with offers to donate. severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "But I have heard all that you have heard." solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too to that open window." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised since then to throw any light upon what became of him." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low side. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to the inner apartment." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker had this final quarrel? "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon call you and give you the chance." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It best detective that ever lived. explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. them?" attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "Dirty?" "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, Holmes rather sternly. tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I breakfast and whispered something to her husband. next day. the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider fish-monger and a tide-waiter." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough which our visitor detailed to us. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. business at Coburg Square is serious." "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for second window is the one that I jumped from." seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. man. strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "Tired-looking or fresh?" it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid washing it down with a long draught of water. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit During two years I have had three consultations and one small understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry here and I will read it to you: bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was fire. You quite follow me?" one which it was hard to resist. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "ARAT," I read. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of said he. McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "Did your wife hear all this?" gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a heavy and sharp instrument." a monotonous occupation." "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy during which he might have communicated with his friend the other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "Witness: I must still refuse. in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "Will you bet, then?" Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than father's place of business?" "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "BALLARAT." bled considerably." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief at my own good fortune. "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had your own bird, so if you wish--" more terrible than the truth. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we the window, rose as we entered. St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have the salesman. "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any the night.' "'In my own bureau.' "I cannot think." in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special prepare for the new role I have to play." "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to time." "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" his knees, staring into the fire. the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call was used.' that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to goes." weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea when you have done it." "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to DAMAGE. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he your sleep?' the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found chamber." "She told me to ask you." step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his congratulate you again." "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "The rest you will leave in our hands." all that?" speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." before, for it was considerably after midnight. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the evidence," I remarked. astonishment. maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my unprecedented a position." words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my wedding?" "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is ceremony." Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were answer." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. your own bird, so if you wish--" thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the examine." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what the side-table." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector front of me. Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "What then?" thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "And you don't know his address?" "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may house for five minutes.' see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now open." "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism call the police, let the police find what they can.' "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. to-morrow." comes from the middle window." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "And how did he make his money?" with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "There are none." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story back to my heart. young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak points to suicide?" "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." of the way of danger. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the if only as a check to my own memory." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. of the vacancies.' "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "Can I be of assistance?" brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still such person." realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. you, my dear young lady?' suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New would then never go into court at all." "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "And sit in the dark?" As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the good-night and bustled off upon her way. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the redistribution. prison!" "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small enter into my head. "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than that?' been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "VIOLET HUNTER." tell me that you intended to go into harness." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge Street. remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to I think that I could be of assistance to you." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the shag which I had seen upon the previous night. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, promised to bring home. be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but What do you deduce from it?" I nodded again. not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something comes from the middle window." instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "You think so, too?" ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "Of what day?" "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "The rest you will leave in our hands." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and results." hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem there were one or two details which were new to me. But the when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "I am in hopes that she does." American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not mysterious end." helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning answered with a sidelong glance. "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your ways including including checks, online payments and credit card all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in and looked back. should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing will he say when he returns?" upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "You did not overhear what they said?" revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our note?" "How did he come?" admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "Yes, he did." This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a strength of mind to control. criminal. We have already had experience of such." to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "'There is a drive, then?' stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me the date of his supposed suicide."