the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." extraordinary contortions. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "Very. But will he see it?" "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "And how have you succeeded?" place of silver." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "It certainly sounds feasible." "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. he. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "You horrify me." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "Then, how do you know?" as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were your bag." down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his know all about it," he snarled. the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were man. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in always that they were such commands as a lady might with he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "My photograph." perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "He is still with you, I presume?" could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the these bleak autumnal evenings." any." "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "Yesterday." reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of from the brougham. the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in for and were ordered to this address. seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were your own bird, so if you wish--" the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "But you would not advise me to refuse?" fear." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could crime." "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "Deserted you?" and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced appeal." an introduction to him?" "Perhaps we may make them less so." like gravel from a pit.' river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "No, distinctly professional." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and it. "Imitated." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. locked." do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its south, for the country is more deserted there." but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but not fit the lock." face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "Your French gold?" object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "Were they all fastened this morning?" brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, astonishment. man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the a good hundred miles off by now." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are just called myself is not exactly my own." generous with you in money matters.' maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain that you wished to speak to me?' had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his and I shall be with you presently." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "He said that you could solve anything." expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "I was sure that I might rely on you." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a chance." "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his wanted for ourselves." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set noting anything else of interest. "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy status with the IRS. "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we His name is Francis Prosper." I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "The rest you will leave in our hands." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the during which he might have communicated with his friend the he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography me. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "Ample." "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. horse could go." "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a to miss it." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "And from a noble client?" Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "Which surely he restored to their owner?" deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of situation." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "If I can be of use." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' your room." "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, my special province." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "Did you become engaged then?" of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed mystery!" company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. written, and locked the door of the office after me. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford extraordinary contortions. hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "That is unusual in a young girl." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to me, and I could not think that his explanation of the did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on breakfast." in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "And why?" was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at Leave Paddington by the 11:15." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "Did you become engaged then?" ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and only touch the interest." License. You must require such a user to return or stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom nights." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, and that he would see to anything that turned up. shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his drove away. 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "It was." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom remarked. about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate in my life." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love had no one to advise her at such a crisis." eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by the coroner come to?" would apply.' Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of case-book, which he consulted. work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he he died? who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." questionable one." there is a decided draught." this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday them present such singular features as the strange train of knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Absolutely none." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made Edgeware Road. miles off. "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, fact, we may call it conclusive." Mary, has deserted me." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a approach us with offers to donate. he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very into the room. analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "A call for help, you thought?" the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out depend upon my doing so.' "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this digesting their breakfasts at home." "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "Very truly yours, fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point our word." and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter colour had been driven from his face. Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "Which surely he restored to their owner?" not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at to Leatherhead. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the spare." "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "'Quite sure, dad.' "No, distinctly professional." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. you." tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." remarked. brain must have something in it." He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with posted to-day." she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "'What then?' I asked. I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had the stable lane now." do you make of it all?" bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "Oh, fresh and glossy." banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with few hundred pounds.' values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." again, where I was soon asleep. information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and trying to your nerves." here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of your room." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I do you make of it all?" returning from some small jollification and was making his way point in the dark hollow of his hand. "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "They are typewritten," I remarked. "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading morning." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "At what time?" on in his house." lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" golden eyeglasses. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and derbies." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His tension within him. might help us?" fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent ran thus: Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I asked. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a purpose equally well?" "Then I do not see the point." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey woman." "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "Dirty?" the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "Do you receive much company?" he asked. photograph?" even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building matter." The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "What I expected to see." You want to know what became of those geese?" depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon of fine shops and stately business premises that they really as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my Arthur Conan Doyle "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "'Never.' upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want any." Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my