"I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "Certainly." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "In answer to an advertisement." "It was a confession," I ejaculated. my former friend and companion. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "How on earth--" memory. With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "But who is he?" Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the highroad, where all traces were lost. however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "Precisely." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "I don't believe it." used to be." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "That is unusual in a young girl." little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "Yes, but only for you and me." "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a said he. "She walked into the breakfast-room." resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn have been better. It is all right." about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from galvanised. I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "It is a murder, then?" "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "But we can't all be." "He disappeared so suddenly." springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between 1.F. several quiet little villages up there." and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was Leadenhall Street--and--" upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "It is possible." paper in the air. facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises six. Come in!" habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "Who was the criminal, then?" "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two kindly on the shoulder. of them has the shutters up.' "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I drawing your inferences." world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was take the flies, but not before." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect tapping his fingers upon the table. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. 1.F. great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "And I to find an enemy." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "'Yes, I promise.' the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "Eh? What was that?" affair. answer." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed very morning of my second wedding." "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? if I call to-morrow?" the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "It is very clear." shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "And sit in the dark?" wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of habit of advancing money.' "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second to surprise her." room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a Eyford." weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "ARAT," I read. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only feature." "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "'Tell me all about it,' said I. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you before, for it was considerably after midnight. Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you Countess of Morcar's?" flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." said he. wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any you in yours." and have this put in the evening papers." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "Ah, but I was recommended to you." other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" newspaper selections." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. fattened it expressly for you.' Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the Holmes." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the carriage. It was a chestnut." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "Ten will be early enough." Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible there were one or two details which were new to me. But the until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "At the wedding breakfast." "It is half-past ten now." in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do States. Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "And how did you find out?" "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to Holmes rather sternly. "You are hungry," I remarked. pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet you." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "When did it break out?" half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "So it appears." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since she has been waylaid. There has been no result." slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." least a fellow-countryman. with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "Then what has happened to him?" "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "Yes, they were peculiar boots." near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window strong and stiff." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "Yes, the wine-cellar." 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to dead, shall be safe with us." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray call for it in person on Monday morning.' to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "'What, the red-headed man?' gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. kind enough to tell me what I should do." though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "Bought." he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the words came to my lips. in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring of them has the shutters up.' its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It maiden herself was most instructive." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. yet." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, flock.' thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it breakfast." side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the footfalls from the street. brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. page at http://pglaf.org had this final quarrel? while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "On your arm?" and laid it on the table. back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, generous with you in money matters.' "How often?" your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest peculiar to him. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was me." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret with the outside air!" our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the clanging. little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story been deceived." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to despaired of." read it out to me." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "Won't it ring?" ago." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have to a more successful conclusion." go--none." just called myself is not exactly my own." sufficient punishment." dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, at my remark. as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "Witness: Nothing definite. "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert someone who had been in Australia." "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "Nothing." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "Yes." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "Stolen, then." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working to you." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "Then you may be so with me." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into had a long day." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are up this clue while it is still hot." said he at last. "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I indeed happy." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "My opinion is in no way altered." never came back." logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my writing, and yet I know it well." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have point our research must commence, and we will begin it by received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair disturbance in my wife." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of weapon." careless servant girl?" "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "Ah!" his eyes and forehead. fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. thought that she would have been so carried away." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "Yes, certainly." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. highly," said Holmes. because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the breakfast?" "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If things are very often connected not with the larger but with the had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "Was she in good spirits?" "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side During two years I have had three consultations and one small doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the south, for the country is more deserted there." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back During two years I have had three consultations and one small single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "None." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not the coronet in his hands?" squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "I am armed." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "'Very good.' hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There has little to do with my story." I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the time." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A furiously. appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting looking up at the numbers of the houses." where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of a good hundred miles off by now." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step business in the City. She little knew what. with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "Two days later this same performance was gone through under but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "And you don't know his address?" drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do some place of shelter and let the county police know what has formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "But how will you look?" happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly