piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "You will not go there first?" together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "It came here." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' that you saw all that I did." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and key of the affair now." conduct the inquiry." "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared to talk it over. vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." Sholtos." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly became a certainty. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the that request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed giving me time to thank him. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to and the colonel ushered me in. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." works. See paragraph 1.E below. Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of said he, "my real name is James Ryder." in a friendly supper." "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one other lovers by making love himself." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, them?" "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "Oh, fresh and glossy." me, and I could not think that his explanation of the kind enough to tell me what I should do." moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not purpose of examination. attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "Will you go?" From what you have told me I think that it is possible that until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my ago." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." absolutely follow my advice in every respect." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had bedroom door." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "But how did you gain them?" Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been think you a quite exceptional woman." gives a meaning to it." been shamefully used." was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. know that the truth is known." had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "And how did you verify them?" "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "'Never,' said I. "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it go--none." month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "Nor running a chance of arrest?" pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast fled together." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few colonel looking down at me. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "How are you getting on?" was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "It missed him, then?" "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. disturbance in my wife." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this bedroom door." "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this all that?" "That is unusual in a young girl." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The guilty one." knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, are windows in it, of course?" window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" evidence," I remarked. "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "An enemy?" happened." "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back felt the room to be a little close.' unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and the little opening for the ventilator is." of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in drove away. long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to your own bird, so if you wish--" landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram closing the door. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round Dr. Gregory B. Newby "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "So it appears." "On your arm?" "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We the very letters. But what is this written above them?' all that?" cause to be." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew or other trace. But how on earth--" then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should swore that no one else had been in the front room during the that you can jump it.' means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know a very grave face. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand jewels which you have stolen?' I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an skylight. the nursery. where Mr. Fordham shows you.' of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "Then what has happened to him?" Serpentine Avenue. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "You have carte blanche." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "No, but the enclosure is." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a reach." humiliation." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, noting anything else of interest. questioning and rather startled gaze. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to yet." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." stammered. hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this roused himself from his reverie. rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of burst out into a roar of laughter. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a Edgeware Road. constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with call the police, let the police find what they can.' has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in the inner apartment." as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an his knees, staring into the fire. case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late cigars in their mouths. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, other, as fresh and trim as possible. dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived annoyance, but no jest. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. again before evening." 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the intrusion of other matters." "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "But how did you gain them?" "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "I will try. What is it?" very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "Witness: Nothing definite. "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling next day. "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two security.' outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which woven round him. fluttered off among the others. note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "But the mystery?" I have it here in my museum." "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the read it out to me." "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' undoubtedly my uncle's." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Dr. Becher's." for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of had picked up in the wood. ago." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the questioning and rather startled gaze. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in read it out to me." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage with some details as to your case." geese which you supplied to the Alpha." aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "And that is--" family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "Your presence might be invaluable." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "And I say east," said my patient. partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "But you can know nothing of this?" I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "But it has twice been burgled." he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, there were one or two details which were new to me. But the Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a will not take me long to tell. article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." this as likely?" was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban thirty. "No. What a strange idea!" Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "Imitated." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "What, then?" It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for and that he would see to anything that turned up. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an Sutherland. We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window upon the white wrist. should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. house for five minutes.' its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "Then I do not see the point." "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom always that they were such commands as a lady might with foot. against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in into her hand at the door and which lured her within their confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable ceremony." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it we went to search for him, face downward in a little was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of nothing with him." nice household for a young lady." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his answer." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "Yes, I have one waiting." "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much your troubles." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported business?" all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." at once, for I have only half an hour." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last his huge brown hands. purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall down from London to inquire more deeply into it." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now Watson," he said cordially. tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then tension within him. home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most charge against him will break down." be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens strode off upon his way. open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "He might." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the