should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. front of me. "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to prepare for the new role I have to play." "But how?" Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble points in connection with it which never have been, and probably pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen about here speaks of his kindness to him." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other case-book, which he consulted. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "It is half-past ten now." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "He is still with you, I presume?" and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and stammered. you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, gives a meaning to it." "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "No." "I would pay ten." all?" practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "Texas, I think." charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United vault. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, appeared upon the scene." "And what did you learn from him?" "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "Nothing." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the to have that photograph." information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we fattened it expressly for you.' stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir guilty one." found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "None." "At half-wages, in fact." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I brandy and water within his reach. Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were into the bag, and made for the door. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or union?" dates and names. ordinary clothes on?" Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. This is what he says: "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. made his money." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting voice, changing her seat as requested. "One?" spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." tightly behind him. "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "And I say east," said my patient. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in nothing with him." look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "To an end?" down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, confronted him. frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "This photograph!" lamp. "'Very good.' his knees, staring into the fire. blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay a suggestive one." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, meanly of me." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil him to go away.' "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the to-morrow." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "'Certainly not.' "I would pay ten." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy papers on the sundial.'" dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid father's young wife. you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers License. You must require such a user to return or posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "To ruin me." to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced all?" keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is since then to throw any light upon what became of him." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, in his power. "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "If I can be of use." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with fait accompli?" "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time digesting their breakfasts at home." the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "She showed me, as I told you she would." few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "Nor running a chance of arrest?" business." not fit the lock." out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "Here?" "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There call for it in person on Monday morning.' business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this and the church but not where the lady lived." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened mystery!" few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see my secret was safe in his possession. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. seen the man in the road." jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his whereabouts. Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "Her father is very rich?" without success. At last the little money which I had saved began is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should a very grave face. "Certainly, madam." near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week his cane at the bell-pull. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "I say that I have solved it." that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the chemical work which was so dear to him. same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "Seven!" I answered. moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: within hail.' "Then you may be so with me." heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. make me his representative both with the servants and with the dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful time." "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "Frequently." questionable one." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an wedding?" He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "May I see it?" lumber-room." "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about society." commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this these bleak autumnal evenings." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "And I say east," said my patient. before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he neither fascinating nor artistic." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." criminal. We have already had experience of such." at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "But to whom?" was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. chemical work which was so dear to him. also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. the window, rose as we entered. "I see many objections to any such theory." and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what his face. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "Pray continue your narrative." "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "What?" heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with be there in time for your coming." said I. 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' what I may call a really hard day's work." began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "Where to?" o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring conduct the inquiry." business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact hopeless attempt at recovering them." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it Countess of Morcar's?" get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "I will, Miss Turner." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to maiden herself was most instructive." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from to his chemical studies. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years row." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, might have a private word with us. had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and tail." detective. you." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "And when will you call?" "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my carried out of court." flock.' profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "I should wish to." leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to I nodded again. 1.F. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "It is possible." be. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, evidence," I remarked. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "'Is purely nominal.' up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her events than those which have happened in my own family." I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that presented which may be striking and bizarre without being go--none." details." "It is his hat." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets man. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but The events in question occurred in the early days of my confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the note?" accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he thought that she would have been so carried away." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "On your arm?" remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying DISSOLVED. hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly used to be." few hundred pounds.' Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, used to be." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "What, then?" brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "Certainly." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to him to go away.' "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and III. the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." it. Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to question. carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "'Yes, I promise.' it." appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid more terrible than the truth. man. place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "'It is locked up,' I answered. controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you criminal. We have already had experience of such." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for away in different directions, and I went off to make my own her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. Foundation one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "Quite so. She has her freedom." to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "We were both in the photograph." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to