ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his results." "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, You can understand that this register and diary may implicate wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to his forehead." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her individual and becomes the badge of a society." "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "'What are you doing there?' he asked. to you." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have John Swain, of St. Augustine. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "In the cells." you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, least a fellow-countryman. It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "Very. But will he see it?" look dissatisfied." "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my charge against him will break down." through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not o'clock is it?" "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "His face fell immediately. severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made heavily into it. gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "Your presence might be invaluable." "What!" he roared. "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of families. Now for the facts. Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe one or two very singular points about this room. For example, slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who I took the paper from him and read as follows: "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." be there in time for your coming." gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door his face which made him a very different person to the round, dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "It was." our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "That's no good." gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges was not a bird to be seen there. orange pips. therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. invisible to me," I remarked. some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "He slept on the premises." my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, crackling voice. already referred to. "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in this poor creature." We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of look upon these things in a different way." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "Here?" meanly of me." sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is tension within him. weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "And Irene Adler?" a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been murdered man." not, dad?" she asked. fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "And when will you call?" shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" security.' a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out with frightened eyes at his accuser. I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez be. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. ashen face. upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "But not more so than I to find you." place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other States. eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every peculiar to him. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. it means?" can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "Indeed! Whose, then?" The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like fear." Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to way: It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth Edgeware Road. be best to do. colonel looking down at me. was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a The summons was a brief and urgent one. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a where she found matters as described by the last witness. warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there remarked. asked. "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the when you have done it." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to yards of it?' the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. was once confined in the cab my mission was practically red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. than to us. "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "I am still in the dark." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "Why? What do you mean?" 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "And how did you verify them?" perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. photograph a cabinet?" "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with newspaper selections." asked with his eyes open. the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "Yes, at the mines." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "The Cedars?" snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with But Holmes shook his head gravely. The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "Yes, that is the Crown." Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, helping a boy to put up the shutters. "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "Ah!" "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "You are hungry," I remarked. Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "No, distinctly professional." families. Now for the facts. "Ah!" assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "Pray do so." "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "'What do you call purely nominal?' "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "Yes." and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when to-morrow." than to us. "Just look it up, then." which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure individual and becomes the badge of a society." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such during that time.' "Is he quiet?" "She showed me, as I told you she would." "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "So I heard. You have him here?" impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': when your master had gone out." fashion which was peculiar to him. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural entirely devoid of interest." think that he is innocent?" the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as I was concerned in it." possible that we could bring him back to her? Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has fuss that is made over them." "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely of Fenchurch Street." position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking Stoke Moran." "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. You want to know what became of those geese?" head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as little trying to do so much typewriting?" "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with reach." question," said Holmes, smiling. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "Precisely so. But how--" completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "Very murderous indeed." upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its miles off. "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "I think that I had better go, Holmes." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "Was your sister dressed?" "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come about. a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism infinite languor in his face. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared open." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a Literary Archive Foundation mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "And what did you learn from him?" "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "No. His orders were to stay in the house." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "And why?" he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "My dear Holmes!" doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a Eyford at 11:15.' Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." than to us. reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the you do it in twenty minutes!' than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem hard-headed British jury." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "What?" "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually such attractions and accomplishments?' in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, The King stared at him in amazement. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even most interesting one." and the church but not where the lady lived." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I drawing your inferences." "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "But how will you look?" It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls digesting their breakfasts at home." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "So I am. Very much so." trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "Just look it up, then." "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "So I heard. You have him here?" age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "It must be recovered." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "'Yes, it was gone.' chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. like that before?" hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to in. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for there!' "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "It may not come to that," said Holmes. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "Certainly, madam." as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting investigation." We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each go--none." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "Oh, fresh and glossy." hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson spare." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "It surprised me." passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three my secret was safe in his possession. "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened bed dies. Does not that strike you?" fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but have an American origin." "That also I could fathom." every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those sentimental considerations in the background which would induce beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately to you." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him national property. I was determined that the law should have its without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. standing smiling on the door-step. discontent upon his features. gone. business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "Just look it up, then." Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away