sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, with frightened eyes at his accuser. estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest bachelor.' engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so lamp. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, intimate personal affairs in this public manner." really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his depend upon my doing so.' correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, entirely lost his self-respect." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "Never to return." searched, without anything being found which could incriminate you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "Holmes, the busybody!" "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must during that time.' agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few It was close upon four before the door opened, and a morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "Yes, sir." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "I promise," said Holmes. a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. seem to you to be relevant or not." southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you nonsense.' "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. main points of my analysis." shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "Then what has happened to him?" fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he bachelor.' precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man crowd. "How do you know, then?" "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing him, that man would not have given me such complete information "That sounds a little paradoxical." me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I Miss Holder?" deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when forehead. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, kind enough to tell me what I should do." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll brandy and water within his reach. the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "None." "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. the inner apartment." you found me to-night--and running through the front room she throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have to go into your room and bar your shutters?" gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my I nodded to show that I had heard. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "You don't mind breaking the law?" "Her father is very rich?" "An enemy?" "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three during that time.' the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' the matter?" "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but and have this put in the evening papers." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project train from Paddington which would bring you there at about weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "And how did you verify them?" Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "My Mary? Impossible!" pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "And how?" be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be papers diligently of late, have you not?" left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, next day. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the father's place of business?" salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles seven miles from Eyford Station.' photograph?" Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "Not yet." he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it nothing of it?" signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "It is no ordinary one." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If future lives." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For attention." "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "Did he not advertise?" of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the used to be." the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "I was sure that I might rely on you." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from Have you good authority for what you say?" I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. again." "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to easy-going way." shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried John Swain, of St. Augustine. Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the from you?" so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "But I have heard all that you have heard." Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "Certainly, madam." rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "Nothing?" client, rising. it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "And leave your case unfinished?" "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal charged with?" hard-headed British jury." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still country, and eventually married, without anyone having a smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his that he will be back before evening." "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to of this gang." in his power. I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "And now?" He raised his hand. delighted to hear it," he said. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "'You doubt its value?' he asked. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the indeed happy." threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand minor matters until to-morrow." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "And what did you see?" "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." there." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man only touch the interest." seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little third from London." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a mystery." what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "May I see it?" took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once know what is wrong with it.' qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter observed. it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "It is possible." horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." read it out to me." "No, my brougham is waiting." money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the the very morning of the wedding." imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as lost nothing by them." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in call it cruel." "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "Yes, I have one waiting." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." Holmes. spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the recover the gem." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions ordinary clothes on?" Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "Where is it, then?" He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, the morning and make my own way in the world.' door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's did not hear it also.' married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "'I am sure if I had known--' old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress you do it in twenty minutes!' ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come upon an income of about 60 pounds." said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had this remarkable episode. and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of a good hundred miles off by now." strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "The doctor?" product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." will be renamed. of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and him, that man would not have given me such complete information hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended his knees, staring into the fire. only touch the interest." "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the I leave." few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" business came to an end." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At one or two very singular points about this room. For example, once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the sit on the left-hand side of the driver." For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "I am following you closely," I answered. out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much in darkness. my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which beg that you will break it off." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" leave you to your papers for a little." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "It's nothing of the kind." handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I me have 200 pounds?' "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was chance." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for one's self under obligations.' Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in said I. exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. pictures, libraries, or plate. bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The it." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "No good news?" "You don't mind breaking the law?" Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "And you thought he was pulled back?" compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send do." call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" searched, without anything being found which could incriminate branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "I was mad--insane." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, more terrible than the truth. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "No." inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such strode off upon his way. been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what this as likely?" can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "Thank you. Pray proceed." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was detective. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down