- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much me what he had done with the three missing stones. might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, she to prove their authenticity?" "What shall I do?" too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each tapping his fingers upon the table. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "You have a clue?" but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the companion imperturbably. from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "Yes, certainly." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to was a perfect sample of the class. may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "Yes, from Horsham." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but information in his hands the value of which he did not himself submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, Leave Paddington by the 11:15." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going but preventing her from injuring another. "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "In what way?" asked Holmes. beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as Surrey." air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't as he remarks, very much against the son." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "No. What a strange idea!" you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may garden below. "Very much so." recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is himself. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. mysterious end." Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "Then he might have called to you?" innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect call for it in person on Monday morning.' but preventing her from injuring another. "I see no marks." infinite languor in his face. Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can writer." They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "Then how many are there?" really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was of this gang." has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "'What are you doing there?' he asked. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "I should like to see him very much." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, the very morning of the wedding." business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something these bleak autumnal evenings." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "'Stolen!' he cried. the roots. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I new acquaintance to Baker Street. "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "I am all attention, madam." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "I cannot as yet see any connection." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to not interfere, come what may. You understand?" wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I room?" "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "I think it very unlikely." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "It is his hat." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend invisible to me," I remarked. strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the useful material for showing traces. The double line a little mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. crowd. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little compunction about shooting them down." conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the tear off another piece?' "But you can know nothing of this?" had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents the station." "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "Has he come with you to-night?" paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "I should like to see him very much." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime You can understand that this register and diary may implicate misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between served to weaken the effect. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "An accident, I presume?" my little problems." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important kind enough to tell me what I should do." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed the matter?" burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in both be extremely obliged.' Edgeware Road. them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look that note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the like gravel from a pit.' may have an influence upon European history." to arrive at through this?" of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my key turn in the lock." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "Yes?" mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was and glanced through. "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "But your client--" Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "Will you go?" burst out into a roar of laughter. "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." Project Gutenberg-tm works. sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was companion. "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good Lestrade of Scotland Yard." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." cost them two and thirty pounds." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was individual and becomes the badge of a society." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "In San Francisco, a year ago." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a him!" coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "Pray do so." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on chamber." other, as fresh and trim as possible. cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a is now desirous of getting those letters back." "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out perplexity from it to my illustrious client. a monotonous occupation." have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "What is it, then--a fire?" offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most Holmes rather sternly. ready to-morrow?' entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away again, where I was soon asleep. James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. just called myself is not exactly my own." "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at that he has suffered." for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "Yes, there are nearly always some there." unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an means taking possession of that which another person has a prior cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "How about poison?" you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her Holmes' face clouded over. galvanised. seem to you to be relevant or not." which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden believe that I should never have any practice at all. shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "Quite so." Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "And now?" I asked. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "Yes." down in his armchair and closing his eyes. seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "To the police?" "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an reach." he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? everything which you would wish to know." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to there in twenty minutes." money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "Perfectly so." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept impression behind it as though a window had gently closed Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their Sholtos." rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite with you alone." "Yes, sir." "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "Yes, the wine-cellar." Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, over here." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "No?" enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction shaken than I had ever seen him. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made himself. India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing DISSOLVED. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "There are none." grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "'And the work?' strode off upon his way. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety in his hands." opportunities to fix the problem. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely The events in question occurred in the early days of my pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "Ample." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, and prosperity to your house. Good-night." to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you sooner or later she must fall a victim. furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her bird I ate is country bred." guilty one." awaited us upon the table. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "And is that all?" "And Miss Sutherland?" an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose it were putty." over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" which our visitor detailed to us. "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "Yes, but only for you and me." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "I see many objections to any such theory." of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of shag which I had seen upon the previous night. enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "Why, it's a dummy," said he. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I head. So long, then!" there is a decided draught." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my third from London." "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "Upon what point?" three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "Bought." contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "Were they all fastened this morning?" "I don't say that. Perhaps." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the said he. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "What then?" these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some these bleak autumnal evenings." which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the papers diligently of late, have you not?" those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works bill, which interests me deeply." world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she goes." "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of row." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal his cane at the bell-pull. strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I correct than the official force." had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit once more for Briony Lodge. unprofitable." "Your presence might be invaluable." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed she might be summoned. but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "What will you say?" sound at heart." "Pray do so." natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard suspect him." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That not come at once?" to-night's adventure." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the there is a decided draught." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "It looks newer than the other things?" other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but if only as a check to my own memory." "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and