Mary, has deserted me." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" opened the door, and slipped through. few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble see me here to avoid scandal." It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we you understand?" than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming The events in question occurred in the early days of my heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was confronted him. the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from Leave Paddington by the 11:15." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two that you can jump it.' an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his grasp, he hurried from the room. "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that highroad, where all traces were lost. a good hundred miles off by now." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, your bag." for and were ordered to this address. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "Thank you. Pray proceed." papers diligently of late, have you not?" eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe strong and stiff." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "'Which dealer's?' of." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. astonishment. the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you maid will bring up your coffee." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect salesman. massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "'You doubt its value?' he asked. hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "The King of Scandinavia." the room while you explain this matter?" The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "'Never,' said I. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place suddenly upon us." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for some place of shelter and let the county police know what has benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "Game for a morning drive?" lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot in darkness. telegram would bring me down to your help." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "But of what society?" your bag." the coronet in his hands?" heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "No legal papers or certificates?" "10th. John Swain cleared. "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. at a side door. room?" "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. is," said he presently: foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate so.' and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is which are rolled in Rotterdam." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the from the brougham. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "What shall I do?" showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his points in connection with it which never have been, and probably providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun call for it in person on Monday morning.' mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "I have my revolver," said I. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "But you have hopes?" in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor points in connection with it which never have been, and probably character. daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very such person." the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies present strange and interesting features that it is no easy instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first your bag." for and were ordered to this address. observed. is acting for the best. without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "The rest you will leave in our hands." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "I am in hopes that she does." flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he The note was undated, and without either signature or address. that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "Game for a morning drive?" "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "Has he come with you to-night?" protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "None. Neville wrote those words." "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination question," said Holmes, smiling. slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his tension within him. me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of to-night?' "What is it?" inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, and laid it on the table. down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "And I." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be shoulder; "he's all right." "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "An enemy?" I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "Was there a secret marriage?" "And you can do nothing until then?" came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is the dangers which encompass me." "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "Yes." "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "What can it mean?" I gasped. "'Stolen!' he cried. "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never annoyance, but no jest. "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in in him." Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, me what he had done with the three missing stones. "I answered that I had not. families. Now for the facts. "Stolen, then." over here." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works again, where I was soon asleep. "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the have an American origin." burst out into a roar of laughter. is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, McCarthy's innocence. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler spare." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar him. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "How did he come?" cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I The police have openly confessed that they can at present make have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "Well, but China?" Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, house for five minutes.' at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, the so-precious time, but come!' "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of me where it went to?" it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" detective. best detective that ever lived. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very and laid it on the table. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "Is he quiet?" Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with charged with?" to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's arrested. You then--" address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left to-night." James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down correct than the official force." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a developed." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the most important business. It is probable that he will be away all his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he way: story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "No. His orders were to stay in the house." go from here to the Strand." "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they drawing your inferences." greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in which was all perfectly true. "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss a very grave face. streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "At half-wages, in fact." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it carriage. It was a chestnut." would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor nights." "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "What of the rat, then?" wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "And now?" He raised his hand. Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "And from a noble client?" "How do you know, then?" bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock begin with, and I had not got mine yet." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish strange features which were associated with the two crimes which upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. in him." He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "What are they?" "10th. John Swain cleared. lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old really the only notable feature about the thing." wedding?" the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without gigantic client. imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even cigars in their mouths. Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' thirty. is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "A confidential servant?" turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have careless servant girl?" "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, know all about it," he snarled. may never be exposed to such a temptation." "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home do." "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy likely to be some crony of the landlady's." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which generous with you in money matters.' "He slept on the premises." was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." crime." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are that I can to serve you." "None." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "Yes." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being woven round him. they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more