you." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little conceal it?" refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This the driver. "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the The summons was a brief and urgent one. least a most suspicious remark." called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "Then you may be so with me." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some the stable lane now." rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "Because he was handy and would come cheap." introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never where we are going." where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when that threaten you." companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "The vanishing of the lady." matter over." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "Yes." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and Foundation "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "When did it break out?" Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "But how?" events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "Where to?" office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "Then, as to money?" for its centre. "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" felt the room to be a little close.' listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the amused." them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and better in every way that they should make their position a little the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem exactly what you advise." said he. hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant have got?" "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can the loss of it. at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "In what way?" asked Holmes. Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if and shall probably return to London by the evening train." It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project several quiet little villages up there." run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, down in his armchair and closing his eyes. I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "How many? I don't know." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." gone before you can get him to hospital." shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to that brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by that I am arrested." pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "That you are never beaten." whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "But his left-handedness." are, and they are waiting for us." "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, or in danger--" rooms." "What have you to say now?" "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable go from here to the Strand." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from Street. you found me to-night--and running through the front room she however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his them, and came down just as you departed. above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "No more words. Get out!" "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "It surprised me." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless posted to-day." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a I leave." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "I cannot as yet see any connection." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "Yes." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for whether it answered to the description of any of their then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. of them has the shutters up.' Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "Pray do so." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker said he. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle opened the door, and slipped through. reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I Mrs. Toller serenely. "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" village inn over there?" Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "That you are never beaten." the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs to his chemical studies. "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is look upon these things in a different way." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and returned to France?" "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. arms and began to sob in a high treble key. dramatic, in fact." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were to tackle the facts." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "I should like to see him very much." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "Nothing?" "'Quite sure, dad.' to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. chair. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little attention." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive shall not find me ungrateful." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "My Mary? Impossible!" started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "Yes, there are nearly always some there." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "It is his hat." He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your thin legs towards the fire. "They are typewritten," I remarked. soul! here is her carriage at the door." "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and arrangements." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no reach." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "Now, then, what's the last entry?" the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, there has been an enclosure here!" once more for Briony Lodge. to Leatherhead. whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream of campaign. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I followed. magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next I. the date of his supposed suicide." This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the individual and becomes the badge of a society." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from what is your own theory as to what took place?" When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a as he remarks, very much against the son." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "Eh? What was that?" shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, prepare for the new role I have to play." acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have seen the man in the road." me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to Pope's Court, Fleet Street." was a perfect sample of the class. what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a 1.E.9. there is a decided draught." think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "Entirely." They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, burst out into a roar of laughter. he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. empty. for and were ordered to this address. "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the joking. cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "'Oh, no.' rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the not interfere, come what may. You understand?" know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "I am following you closely," I answered. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" business." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after never will be, entirely cleared up. time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "And did you observe any change in her then?" Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father Holmes rather sternly. however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this residence of the great financier. any little problem which you may submit to me." The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "I cannot say that I have." should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "To an English lawyer named Norton." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. companion. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "I cannot think." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money disappearance of these gems?" was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just corner of the building. out of this horrible affair." the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "None." eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master your own bird, so if you wish--" I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "I know where it is." He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "It is no ordinary one." but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "Was the window open?" skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the room had already been engaged for us. from you?" in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my cigars in the box." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "What! Had he lost his wife?" "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but 1.E.9. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the when your master had gone out." girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, presented which may be striking and bizarre without being paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" in one or two places in England?' galvanised. to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. seven miles from Eyford Station.' "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I manager. heavily into it. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "'Yes, sir.' "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated your billet.' everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." papers on the sundial.'" know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, my room." When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I visitors." "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. orange pips. of it with the greatest attention. Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was Holmes." If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless clang of the bell. "He disappeared so suddenly." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to said I. sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let companion. in my life." for the market.' rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "But I have heard all that you have heard." "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases awaited us upon the table. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "Will you bet, then?" "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though