exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "'Very good.' "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on than was visible to me." hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope outsides of the windows. more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a like gravel from a pit.' I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael companion quietly. and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At all that?" snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and right! Sit down and let us talk it over." keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his it right.' promised to bring home. "His face fell immediately. "I will get her to show me." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." father's place of business?" in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass pierced for earrings?" human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between and a shock of very red hair. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and chemical work which was so dear to him. poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the call the police, let the police find what they can.' surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "But to whom?" "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "Certainly." never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible face and glided from the room. to take care of herself." see a sister of mine apply for." is acting for the best. eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had trifles." "Whose house is it?" meant it for the best. pierced for earrings?" and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the records." description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about excitement. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and it right.' The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with people in all walks of life. "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the father's young wife. have an American origin." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "Yes." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I mysterious business." the Assizes." waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall at once, for I have only half an hour." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "How long did she speak to this Alice?" she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and should be so warm over such a trifle." She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "But she could not love him." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what persecution?" present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes interests were the same as his." "I don't say that. Perhaps." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug that the gas is not laid on in his house?" end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you gone before you can get him to hospital." practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, six. Come in!" what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in on re-entering her father's house?" week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "One of his hands." upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this bled considerably." "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "In what way?" asked Holmes. happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "I fear not." he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but tear off another piece?' Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "That is unusual in a young girl." the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." you in yours." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." in one or two places in England?' stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "Why, what do you mean?" fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for Doctor, of the paper and the date." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. over with notes and figures. "It is very clear." what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of page at http://pglaf.org a suggestive one." from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "'Then let me do so?' "How often?" fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "That was it, sir." "Nothing?" who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come the side-table." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open now. It seems that there had been some informality about their shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot shag which I had seen upon the previous night. walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say gentleman's clothes. A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "That also I could fathom." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it business in the City. She little knew what. and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' ashen face. throat." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great hurried away. "And the cigar-holder?" destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual lost nothing by them." "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "You are hungry," I remarked. "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "Pray tell us what has happened to you." other means.' To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us locked. completely overtopped every other consideration that we both galvanised. the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, I shall continue with my miserable story. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "Oh, the cause is excellent!" it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt in one or two places in England?' "What can you not understand?" There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "And is that all?" with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "Well." "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "'And the work?' he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do James Windibank. Voilà tout!" beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the obstinate." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one papers on the sundial.'" had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was notes," he said. furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting instincts rose up against that laugh. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, morning." "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss DAMAGE. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "'Never,' said I. quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did distinguish the words: and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is if she died from some sudden fright." telegram would bring me down to your help." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this business." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so wife's character?" surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "'Oh, no.' it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "Stoke Moran?" said he. from the brougham. "My own seal." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "Breckinridge is his name." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' American. Then who could this American be, and why should he '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and the ceiling. abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with burst out into a roar of laughter. in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly dear old homesteads?" smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards national property. I was determined that the law should have its go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly read over the extraordinary announcement. secret." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been The telegram which we eventually received came late one night who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "Well?" from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "When did it break out?" coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "I promise," said Holmes. "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with Stoke Moran." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he new acquaintance to Baker Street. was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." recover the gem." places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "You have carte blanche." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "Here?" woven round him. "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "I saw her in conversation with her maid." to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, father's place of business?" flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he eavesdroppers?' "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." and put his glass in his pocket. suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am the armchair which I pushed forward for him. would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to cigars in their mouths. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was delighted to hear it," he said. come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "Well?" the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to wedding?" said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "How do you know, then?" Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. eat it." When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical Arthur Conan Doyle despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so woman." spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "You have a clue?" self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other just called myself is not exactly my own." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of room had already been engaged for us. husband's writing, madam." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great it." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is written, and locked the door of the office after me. fait accompli?" gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She weighed down with some great anxiety. "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in friend's singular character. red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his vague figure huddled up in the darkness. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the and looked back. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "In the cells." I shall communicate with you." window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I photograph a cabinet?" "It is very kind of you." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, me upon any point which I do not make clear." strong and stiff." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. straighten it?" the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, about here speaks of his kindness to him." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "'Where to?' habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank upon the white wrist. engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. woman." "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, heavily into it. to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who thirty. friends, not even his own brother. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "How are you getting on?" at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease.