"You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." pressing in one house as in another. intimate personal affairs in this public manner." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left gone. "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting his face which made him a very different person to the round, act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "It surprised me." There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "And your father? Did you tell him?" routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one recall any case within my experience which looked at the first she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away other means.' and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat the room while you explain this matter?" that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely burst out into a roar of laughter. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for voice. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the His name is Francis Prosper." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. them present such singular features as the strange train of "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "I cannot say that I have." done what I asked you, Jones?" it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we public press." heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "Pray continue your narrative." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of them?" Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It kind enough to tell me what I should do." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who secret." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds Literary Archive Foundation "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "His face fell immediately. the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged front of me. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "And why?" been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. as the one I chose?' doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows London for the present?" had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" served to weaken the effect. have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City goes." undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, http://www.gutenberg.net out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "Did you become engaged then?" classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "I am about to be married." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was trying to your nerves." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, fait accompli?" were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want you." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman DAMAGE. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A observed. Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to business." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of allusion to a rat. "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "Then, how do you know?" prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was papers." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "How did you trace it, then?" has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "It is his hat." "It is possible." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders trifles." house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and late." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "Ha! you find it so?" "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. the inquest, and which are worth considering." "And what did you see?" could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "Yes." all-comprehensive glances. mysterious end." labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very there were one or two details which were new to me. But the summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "This concluded the examination of the witness." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own client, rising. the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided speckled band?" developed." "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her of the way of danger. not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We works. See paragraph 1.E below. his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." I am not easy in my mind about them." "A client, then?" outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "The decline of his fortunes, then?" out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, characteristics, but those are the more obvious." I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did points to suicide?" in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "But she could not love him." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray indiscretion." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck as the one I chose?' season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less to talk it over. "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town lamp in his hand. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect of receipt of the work. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." with some details as to your case." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the once more to my work. process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I excitement. "Yes, certainly." banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "Then what has happened to him?" in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He conclusions. shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "His face fell immediately. which should have the effect of calling the attention of the me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by client, rising. will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very upon an income of about 60 pounds." "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late cheerful." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he said Mr. Holder. understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly once more on the important position which you have been fortunate wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "I cannot tell." seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to is so. I know all about McCarthy." hurried by. "Not in the least." of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, vague figure huddled up in the darkness. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a been with you?" companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "In San Francisco, a year ago." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "One of his hands." hopeless attempt at recovering them." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "What do you make of that, Watson?" like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," I approached. "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." Lestrade of Scotland Yard." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of States. his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "Has he come with you to-night?" yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, seven miles from Eyford Station.' you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "But you can know nothing of this?" "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my train.' lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "Was there a secret marriage?" Lee, in the county of Kent." "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on gbnewby@pglaf.org train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, to tackle the facts." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I experiences." criminal. We have already had experience of such." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "Do you receive much company?" he asked. of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed to-night." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he his knees, staring into the fire. "No more words. Get out!" "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which roused himself from his reverie. back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting wife's character?" difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "I know where it is." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "She walked into the breakfast-room." such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "Where, then?" the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; Cross for the Continent." bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which to me. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "You think so, too?" national property. I was determined that the law should have its confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The I nodded again. kind enough to tell me what I should do." heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any telegram would bring me down to your help." "The doctor?" "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if you." the address that was given us in the advertisement. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me and all of them with the keenest interest. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at Miss Holder?" among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "But you were on a friendly footing?" green of the new foliage. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with lost nothing by them." "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "Where, then?" records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the and looked back. I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, prove to be little relation between the different incidents of persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "But how will you look?" spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "Never." safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. your billet.' the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "Her father is very rich?" "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon do you make of it all?" learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold himself to tell his story. "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "So it appears." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a depend upon my doing so.' "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was it with his own hands." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" vault. "And for present expenses?" terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "You heard nothing yourself last night?" on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said shoulder; "he's all right." a monotonous occupation." envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's will find little credit to be gained out of this case." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. points in connection with it which never have been, and probably if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at clang of the bell.