is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of should be taken.' 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and whatever might befall. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "You were travelling in the States?" "Yes, I have one waiting." of." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "I am in hopes that she does." "'Ten to two.' all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "And what did you learn from him?" Countess of Morcar's?" met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire out." "No." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "'Quite sure, dad.' "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat have been better. It is all right." breakfast and whispered something to her husband. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "In answer to an advertisement." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "Then, how do you know?" train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "'What are you doing there?' he asked. eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, to-night." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Nothing." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand chance at all." sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and I was concerned in it." that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "From his hat?" yards of it?' look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he became a certainty. "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did ceremony." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my to take care of herself." "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped some water from a caraffe. Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "Was there a secret marriage?" these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, key of the affair now." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' quick march!" younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia business?" order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "No." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "What! Had he lost his wife?" the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to place, I think that there is good ground to think that the stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any outbreak?" fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said was already answered. absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." during that time.' With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled my friend's incisive reasoning. above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "It is his hat." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "'Yes, sir.' pressing in one house as in another. "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "'I have heard so.' when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "I do." I. ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a that you can jump it.' off." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and in a friendly supper." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Murdered?" confronted him. and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing hurried by. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "'Where could I find him?' "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It acquaintance?" man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such disappearance of the bride.'" clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "That is it on the dressing-table." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings astonishment. right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he footfalls from the street. along the entire front of the house, with three long windows chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly had a long day." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said lectures into a series of tales." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "This concluded the examination of the witness." He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his the running down." round and wave him away like that.' not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "I cannot tell." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the where Mr. Fordham shows you.' experiences." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "You don't mind breaking the law?" adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that the stable lane now." had a long day." as he remarks, very much against the son." "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found and glanced through. not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." the station." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, upon the sideboard." walking." "Look there!" said he. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that on re-entering her father's house?" "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "But his left-handedness." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, strong reason behind." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of always that they were such commands as a lady might with "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "'I have already given you my word.' Lee, in the county of Kent." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit only touch the interest." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "'A dozen yards or so.' old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers instincts rose up against that laugh. is a common subject for conversation. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "'Stolen!' he cried. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the locked. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land the so-precious time, but come!' "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. there has been an enclosure here!" "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "You have carte blanche." practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very kind enough to tell me what I should do." the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "Yes." allusion to a rat. and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right night.' said he. such person." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so very morning of my second wedding." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted McCarthy's innocence. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its ill-usage at the hands of fortune. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. envelope. "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "You heard nothing yourself last night?" week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed and effective." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "Why, it's a dummy," said he. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." suddenly upon us." do.' the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup she slowly sank and died without having recovered her interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "'Entirely.' "What office?" purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until acted in my house last night?" again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "'I am sure that I do not know.' so far?" the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "Have you her photograph?" convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than you give your casting vote to?" them present such singular features as the strange train of front of me. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had been shamefully used." dear old homesteads?" wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in that before taking the final step I should like to submit the pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "'What then?' I asked. inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and me. our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you morning." here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "The doctor?" where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but him, that man would not have given me such complete information quite distinctive." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying DISSOLVED. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am John Swain, of St. Augustine. "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "Upon what point?" "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. copied or distributed: all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "Do you go out much in society?" stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how where she found matters as described by the last witness. conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Nothing?" last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. not fit the lock." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and was it brought him the coronet? views." seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "I see many objections to any such theory." as yours." which was all perfectly true. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "I cannot think." have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "No, but the enclosure is." even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point at my remark. The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter wedding?" "I should wish to." as the one I chose?' furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "Did your wife hear all this?" his grey eyes. front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this Count Von Kramm." "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but