all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. matter over." "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, were new raised from a basin. stalked out of the room. to his chemical studies. father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his the bottom.' Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." that there was nothing in it, after all." hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "I will try. What is it?" Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our Again Holmes raved in the air. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same along the entire front of the house, with three long windows seven miles from Eyford Station.' of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. the child." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the soul! here is her carriage at the door." "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent is a common subject for conversation. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are union?" eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the Sutherland. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "But she will refuse." "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. case-book, which he consulted. appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "An enemy?" sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long lost nothing by them." reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his interests were the same as his." "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. following enigmatical notices: tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. have an American origin." is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly prepare for the new role I have to play." spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated would apply.' through." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to bill, which interests me deeply." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of the date of his supposed suicide." inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that orange pips. they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, and have this put in the evening papers." akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he been with you?" corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "By no means." his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "How can you tell that?" anything to do with the matter?" lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, desk. My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately way in everything. orange pips. against a man in the prime of life?" things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. goes." leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "Where did you address your letters, then?" Chief Executive and Director the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Yes, only one." snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with to-night?" I asked. peculiar to him. with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "Was he the only applicant?" The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. words came to my lips. have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by room had already been engaged for us. slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall which we had just quitted. been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That started for the Temple to see my husband. once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call o'clock is it?" never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in shaken than I had ever seen him. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the and inquire as to the address." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in my friend's incisive reasoning. is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the of his shoulders. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the approach us with offers to donate. off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I heavy and sharp instrument." End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be one of them." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it good for you to do.' "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave note?" "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." invisible to me," I remarked. finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a ran thus: caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "Stolen." have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him some terrible trap for her." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "Were they all fastened this morning?" "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were has little to do with my story." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." out of this horrible affair." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put experiences." my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an congratulate you again." Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that mystery!" than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "But what is it you wish?" Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' the loss of it. would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "Perhaps we may make them less so." "'It is locked up,' I answered. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could populous neighbourhood." away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment colonel looking down at me. course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all train from Paddington which would bring you there at about Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." of a light. "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend important." "Absolutely?" "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an conclusions. mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an strong reason behind." horse could go." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed carried out of court." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a to change my dress. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But paper in the air. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with careless servant girl?" day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to purpose of examination. upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "I shall be delighted." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. frequently gained my first real insight into the character of then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. tell them apart.' "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or me." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. nonsense.' red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and within hail.' "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this His name is Francis Prosper." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house Lestrade of Scotland Yard." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at address. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "But to whom?" posted to-day." in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as sooner or later she must fall a victim. It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my that he will be back before evening." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "Then how many are there?" have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which purpose equally well?" away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "I know where it is." yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" clang of the bell. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Why did you pick him?" The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is the very morning of the wedding." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return returning from some small jollification and was making his way of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my several quiet little villages up there." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some something of him before." keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little all-comprehensive glances. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "And I to find an enemy." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend see me here to avoid scandal." "This photograph!" pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then fluttered off among the others. "The knees of his trousers." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "No." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think disappearance of these gems?" to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "Then you may be so with me." chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the carpenter." "How many? I don't know." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the once more for Briony Lodge. woven round him. habit of advancing money.' place no limit on the sum I may draw." "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I like gravel from a pit.' shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "Yes." the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. upon the white wrist. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been kindly on the shoulder. weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my October 9, 1890. the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in there has been an enclosure here!" carried out of court." "Then what has happened to him?" some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! My friend smiled. wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of fled together." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "Then he might have called to you?" "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "Have you her photograph?" To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I