house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by that you saw all that I did." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any with frightened eyes at his accuser. from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "You saw the ventilator, too?" "None." ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must one of them." we went to search for him, face downward in a little opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better galvanised. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "And now?" He raised his hand. you." "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such The police have openly confessed that they can at present make suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "In the cells." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was during the last few years, and there are many noble families to also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "They are typewritten," I remarked. also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a the coronet in his hands?" information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over way in everything. "This concluded the examination of the witness." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. promised to bring home. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "I would give my fortune to have them back." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present works. See paragraph 1.E below. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. ordinary clothes on?" following enigmatical notices: clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was simple cases which are so extremely difficult." and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think his eyes and forehead. charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" spare." "The King of Scandinavia." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "I have hopes." clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the Cross for the Continent." "No, thank goodness, she did not." hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. American. Then who could this American be, and why should he allusion to a rat. weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. status with the IRS. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll straightened it out again. inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and said he, "my real name is James Ryder." question," said Holmes, smiling. "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is your equipment. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my was a loud and authoritative tap. generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no upon the sideboard." generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "Why serious?" was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. Clair, of Lee." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "But who is he?" were wasted." swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "I am to be neutral?" conversation I have gathered that they have been married about not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in where she found matters as described by the last witness. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, ordinary clothes on?" weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned I took the paper from him and read as follows: Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "Thank you. And your address?" drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "How do you know, then?" towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "The rest you will leave in our hands." days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "About a month then." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. the child." strength of mind to control. "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that lumber-room." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was really the only notable feature about the thing." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "My Mary? Impossible!" "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward But Holmes shook his head gravely. "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the not interfere, come what may. You understand?" kindly on the shoulder. "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second your only hope of safety." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "What are they?" must be when I saw the door open.' from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads lectures into a series of tales." rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do not come at once?" the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin bedroom door." it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is careless servant girl?" "'There is a drive, then?' "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend any more." Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had had died away into the silence from which it rose. took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a answer." straightened it out again. There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from his fortune, and I went back to pa. "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is wedding?" however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. room. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad Lee, in the county of Kent." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that very peculiar words of the dying woman?" vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual yourselves in at night?" together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "'Which dealer's?' As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "Was there a secret marriage?" were unconscious?" "My stepfather's business papers." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your conduct the inquiry." hopeless attempt at recovering them." "How on earth--" bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "None." is entirely a question of barometric pressure." you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist society." "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." there when the Rucastles went away." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "Precisely." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in too. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has address. there." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as his grey eyes. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "Stoke Moran?" said he. who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of was feeling which was the fattest.' staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from other means.' "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "By all means." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" side. chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most business?" gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that jewels which you have stolen?' he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "But who is he?" reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "'What would be the hours?' I asked. fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be said he, "my real name is James Ryder." George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil really the only notable feature about the thing." given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity it." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "Thank you. And your address?" "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and felt the room to be a little close.' been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are business matters.' through." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the have had none more fantastic than this." "Game for a morning drive?" to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "Yes." you?' upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "Of what?" question," said Holmes, smiling. gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." astonishment. pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies examine." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that there when the Rucastles went away." bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so strength." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "Game for a morning drive?" "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we little trying to do so much typewriting?" singular points about the case. What did the police think of the soul! here is her carriage at the door." "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most test if we have an answer to our advertisement." the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover these bleak autumnal evenings." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of must compliment you." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' key turn in the lock." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked written. "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "You are all wrong." taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have voice. to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "Thank you. And your address?" my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "You will not go there first?" hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "'Never,' said I. forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue see me here to avoid scandal." "It certainly sounds feasible." highly," said Holmes. wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be with her." touch that coronet?' really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and