conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "One of the highest in England." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "'It is locked up,' I answered. "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "Well?" children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "It was an hour's good drive." afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "Precisely." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The dear old homesteads?" quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic meant." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "What can it mean?" I gasped. bears upon the case?" week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "Well." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "Ah, but I was recommended to you." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about orange pips. need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up least a most suspicious remark." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "Yes, all." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A and wait." yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a this unhappy family?" washing it down with a long draught of water. "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. to miss it." way in." against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "Were they all fastened this morning?" "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "Yes." What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "Do you know him?" incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving investigation." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and hurried away. natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me is acting for the best. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "But not more so than I to find you." "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "Ah!" It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the here." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving and effective." and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, bare slabs of marble. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "Well?" "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those begin with, and I had not got mine yet." became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "And for present expenses?" "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran beg that you will break it off." some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive has little to do with my story." "What will you say?" shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss was feeling which was the fattest.' leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "Certainly." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "Only as much as we can deduce." child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the learned something! Where are the gems?" one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry some place of shelter and let the county police know what has mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." to you." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "'Which dealer's?' reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little was a perfect sample of the class. A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me http://www.gutenberg.net cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" back into the street. "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. weighed down with some great anxiety. and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "Yes, at the mines." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "9th. McCauley cleared. vault. as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend My friend smiled. "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called the stones. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. thirty. Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "Not in the least." "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a discontent upon his features. woman." his cane at the bell-pull. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "What will you say?" down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the presented which may be striking and bizarre without being request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been back to my heart. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "It surprised me." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are been anything against him. He had for years been known as a With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have just ask you whether you had heard it.' "Now, then, what's the last entry?" so far?" conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "My own seal." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my breakfast?" "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, weary and pale-looking. "What then?" Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary despaired of." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "And how did you verify them?" confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be yet." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without imbecility!" he cried. her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "'I am sure that I do not know.' speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this drove away. time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the nice household for a young lady." your most interesting statement." his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his minor matters until to-morrow." them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or residence of the great financier. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't felt?" there has been an enclosure here!" remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "What do you make of that, Watson?" almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to the Red-headed League." not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to newspaper selections." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. coat-tails." I shall communicate with you." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same writers could invent nothing more crude." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "My private note-paper." Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream heavily into it. "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much already been minutely examined." Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we is four-and-twenty." decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of could not account in any way for the presence of the missing the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet just called myself is not exactly my own." hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "But of what society?" him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in some terrible trap for her." shall not find me ungrateful." passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable I have it here in my museum." vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the get the tickets." Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper on re-entering her father's house?" I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." of the one which your family is now devouring." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner back alive. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that wife's character?" walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for bedroom door." persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "Just look it up, then." Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "How many? I don't know." girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "What shall I do?" disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may thin, with a long, sharp nose?" upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "'A dozen yards or so.' has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "It is possible." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the time." sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "Imitated." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "Is he quiet?" "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard delighted to hear it," he said. hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, companion imperturbably. very morning of my second wedding." an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere cigars in the box." "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "Yes." "'And what salary do you ask?' her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would you?' "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could Holmes' face clouded over. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had I nodded again. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were out." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to direction." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest the iron safe, which he closed upon it. because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face the running down." were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, ordinary clothes on?" "Because he was handy and would come cheap." but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to to-night's adventure." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the said he. trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "One of his hands." I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a empty. the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found him to go away.' corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are it." "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "Why did you beat the pavement?" with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "And the murderer?" afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and