correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no upon an income of about 60 pounds." d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "I shall most certainly do so." husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "I was sure that I might rely on you." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to front of me. once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "None." hardly wander." Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which could go. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these of note-paper. It read in this fashion: invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow learned something! Where are the gems?" lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which Does that suggest anything?" rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "Absolutely none." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power forebodings. the very morning of the wedding." nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, certainly not very gracious." ordinary clothes on?" arms and began to sob in a high treble key. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his habit of advancing money.' over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "I will do it." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there not as remarkable as your advertisement." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, before the coroner and the police-court." breakfast?" dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, strength in the others." permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not the roots. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "'Most admirably.' me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge nothing with him." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "'Entirely.' "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened detective. bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I himself to hunt down. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, have an American origin." the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination Count Von Kramm." backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me them present such singular features as the strange train of tell him that I know him to be innocent." abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had head. So long, then!" You want to know what became of those geese?" "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to the one as in the other." "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot breakfast?" clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "You know me, then?" very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "But to whom?" wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by the tragedy. I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "I shall be delighted." emerged. as he remarks, very much against the son." protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "It is possible." ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given your troubles." the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. nights." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "Can I be of assistance?" put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and a good hundred miles off by now." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them matters immensely." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "She showed me, as I told you she would." himself to tell his story. common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's presume?" "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned done what I asked you, Jones?" me have 200 pounds?' come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "But she could not love him." once more. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a long narrative. tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a weapon." not as remarkable as your advertisement." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' true." "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. straightened it out again. four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, neither fascinating nor artistic." same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "'Never.' face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my your only hope of safety." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "I should wish to." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "Imitated." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "I never have." "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of tell him that I know him to be innocent." "No." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "Where, then?" villagers almost as much as their master. It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "It is possible." "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "And did you observe any change in her then?" dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if call for protection in the marriage market, for the present trying to your nerves." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" conversation I have gathered that they have been married about stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "The vanishing of the lady." "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "Yes." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "10th. John Swain cleared. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I to tell." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary them?" "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. round and wave him away like that.' my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, house for five minutes.' manager. and inquire as to the address." foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There derbies." "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." over his head with a sweet womanly caress. http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg was a loud and authoritative tap. "But what harm can there be in that?" A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and ready to-morrow?' it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "It looks newer than the other things?" "My photograph." short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "He disappeared so suddenly." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "Yes, he did." snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing he died? "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went against a man in the prime of life?" "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." forecastle of an emigrant ship. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to upon a handsome competence. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from thought that she would have been so carried away." make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if been anything against him. He had for years been known as a morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the fire. You quite follow me?" stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "It is his hat." geese which you supplied to the Alpha." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country that he has suffered." breakfast?" again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "Then you may be so with me." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or became a certainty. the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at becomes even more simple." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "To the police?" begin with, and I had not got mine yet." shag which I had seen upon the previous night. your troubles." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you eavesdroppers?' I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' dramatic, in fact." platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was of them has the shutters up.' herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent gigantic client. which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself address. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "'Yes, sir.' afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "How many? I don't know." complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the deduce something from that?" "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who any more." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "Witness: I must still refuse. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of writer." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But upon a handsome competence. "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. I have it here in my museum." of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: very peculiar words of the dying woman?" blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "Deserted you?" dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may of this gang." Again Holmes raved in the air. adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. could not have written that. It is the German who is so there were so many in the whole country as were brought together his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend criminal. We have already had experience of such." returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "What then?" is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "We were both in the photograph." "I cannot tell." me what he had done with the three missing stones. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the think that he is innocent?" piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, make me his representative both with the servants and with the "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "Thank you. And your address?" very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my begun to whiten, even as mine has." He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "Do you receive much company?" he asked. young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated everything which you would wish to know." in the port of London." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several upon a handsome competence. "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." conceal it?" should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "'As governess?' certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "And why?" We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is Pool. "'It is locked up,' I answered. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for and your relations to her." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while is," said he presently: "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no again, where I was soon asleep. "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "It must be recovered." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its that there was nothing in it, after all." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was