conversation I have gathered that they have been married about I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and other means.' in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I and that he would see to anything that turned up. passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of this man was intellectual?" is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. James Windibank. Voilà tout!" to-night's adventure." clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "Game for a morning drive?" They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been asked. He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, shaken than I had ever seen him. may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child interest. They are important, you understand, without being "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "Yes, the wine-cellar." isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed bore every mark of being an average commonplace British music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled he. "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink the stones. "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "'Yes, I promise.' fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have once more to my work. few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you writer." "But you were on a friendly footing?" hereditary King of Bohemia." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but gentleman's clothes. Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose asked with his eyes open. The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do meant." beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but singular points about the case. What did the police think of the pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line characteristics, but those are the more obvious." prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "None." "I see no marks." Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly should be taken.' "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for new acquaintance to Baker Street. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and tear off another piece?' never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears electronic works indeed happy." "Then I am your man." "Then I shall certainly come." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them strong and stiff." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "What! You do not mean bodies?" "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole sound at heart." Holmes rather sternly. seen the man in the road." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. tear off another piece?' of the vacancies.' probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it face and glided from the room. Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it your sleep?' perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "I have a cab outside." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the situation." "My dear Holmes!" sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The forbidden door. the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming Mrs. Toller serenely. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into Eyford at 11:15.' me. You must get home instantly and act." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "A greater distance to travel." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "'Ample.' whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty from the brougham. "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at astonishment. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "Very murderous indeed." "My own seal." right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some off." other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." definite end. for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must best detective that ever lived. with you alone." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and in the dead of the night?' boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand hand, madam?" the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "Never to return." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "But of what society?" at my own good fortune. pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought my former friend and companion. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "So it appears." Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your Countess of Morcar's?" Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have good for you to do.' counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. ago." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had it means?" just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch the window, rose as we entered. a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "Ha! you find it so?" dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "That is easily got." an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "'Ten to two.' cheerful." interests were the same as his." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were a little more before I quite committed myself. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have investigation." public press." "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' goes." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You towards the blaze. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to think you a quite exceptional woman." hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than will be renamed. of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "But his lameness?" Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened to me. he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "Will you bet, then?" "Have you her photograph?" pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my bird of prey. "And you don't know his address?" make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. to go into your room and bar your shutters?" gigantic client. "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding golden eyeglasses. "I cannot tell." shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him said I. Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the followed. cigars in the box." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I mysterious end." I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic telegram would bring me down to your help." such person." brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at present." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. best detective that ever lived. His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached spark where all is dark to me." between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room one of the states of the Union." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "Yes, I have one waiting." Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a have been better. It is all right." have established a very serious case against the son of the to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "Nothing." a monotonous occupation." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a was not a bird to be seen there. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. head. So long, then!" its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "But you were on a friendly footing?" flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary you." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." in my life." twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "But the mystery?" it with his own hands." "But not more so than I to find you." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. have an American origin." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "'Why that?' I asks. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "Were they all fastened this morning?" "Why? What do you mean?" were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on was it brought him the coronet? crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid money should be paid at once.' I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what you." visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant away to you." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most that?' "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "'About the same.' ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster conduct the inquiry." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "I have solved it." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "I know where it is." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella Miss Holder?" and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "'Which dealer's?' They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "Then the page we have seen--" remarked. "How did he come?" about. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "When did it break out?" with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." tell them apart.' "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "'Most admirably.' "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" amused." husband's writing, madam." bill, which interests me deeply." "And I." We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both touch that coronet?' sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The considering the formidable letters which were received by himself moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "It missed him, then?" there." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and became a certainty. Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "There are none." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "Yes." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "I think that it is very probable." seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and it were putty." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this do.' his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "Never to return." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "I have a cab outside." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "I guessed as much." "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "And what did you see?" visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how husband's writing, madam." been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "Yes, that is the Crown." better in every way that they should make their position a little singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing that you wished to speak to me?' occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, anything to do with the matter?" another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an there were so many in the whole country as were brought together these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is burst into a hearty fit of laughter. a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless to miss it." observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend most interesting one." wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It lost nothing by them." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "And leave your case unfinished?" listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. pressing in one house as in another. he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "How long did she speak to this Alice?" He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" are windows in it, of course?" other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain the window, rose as we entered. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no