now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is six. Come in!" be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his handed it to him. Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did Sholtos." conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "'Which dealer's?' hour." "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. is entirely a question of barometric pressure." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such Street. But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not appointment with me for six o'clock?" landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "And when will you call?" this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such think that any burglar could have done. "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," upon the shelf for the interim." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and interested in these little problems, and since you are good such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns present." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "If I can be of use." Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in things are very often connected not with the larger but with the have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew have one." constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: questionable one." commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "Here?" Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had you." his grey eyes. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, more terrible than the truth. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can fait accompli?" mystery." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very tightly behind him. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle Holmes." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an secret." explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "Married! When?" "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I not fit the lock." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "The landlord of the Alpha." the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It kindly on the shoulder. someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the he. of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, which was all perfectly true. description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you ways including including checks, online payments and credit card springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just conclusions. my friend's incisive reasoning. "'Never,' said I. "I will, Miss Turner." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "We must sit without light. He would see it through the Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a and put his glass in his pocket. Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "But I am all in the dark." "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and other means.' girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I which it had come upon my father." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his wanted for ourselves." to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy was already answered. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "Not in the least." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps so.' "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "But your client--" distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black rat could hardly pass through." photograph a cabinet?" certainly not very gracious." "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "How often?" these bleak autumnal evenings." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "Where did you address your letters, then?" nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An ordinary clothes on?" central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "Quite so. She has her freedom." my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke fear." the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately this Miss Turner." muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "'Where to?' without success. At last the little money which I had saved began is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very door?" "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "And why?" "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your interest. They are important, you understand, without being Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project before the coroner and the police-court." the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent fled together." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "Because he was handy and would come cheap." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the that I am arrested." She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, indeed happy." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "He said that you could solve anything." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "She told me to ask you." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you question," said Holmes, smiling. "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "'About the same.' for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he enter Dr. Roylott's room." 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "Tired-looking or fresh?" cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every there." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be disappearance of these gems?" "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present read it out to me." arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of tassel actually lying upon the pillow. There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the III. an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds a monotonous occupation." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "But how could you guess what the motive was?" drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "She told me to ask you." his face. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "'And what are they worth?' I asked. between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their the coronet in his hands?" Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a companion. is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "On the contrary, this is the right side." lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at clang of the bell. "It's nothing of the kind." is entirely a question of barometric pressure." Count Von Kramm." thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture I. your equipment. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "Ah!" lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. delighted to hear it," he said. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. matter." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of and a shock of very red hair. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "You are certainly joking, Holmes." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a someone who had been in Australia." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "One horse?" interjected Holmes. mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic States. "It is to him that this trophy belongs." prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "But how?" again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "And is that all?" "Why did you beat the pavement?" Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "But you can know nothing of this?" held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "At the wedding breakfast." "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "But we can't all be." "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "Do you receive much company?" he asked. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in showing my impatience. "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" astonishment. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, or other trace. But how on earth--" his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set late." "It was an hour's good drive." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "He disappeared so suddenly." wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "Did you become engaged then?" enter into my head. pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "Certainly." what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to records." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and amused." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, breakfast." of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor hands. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think is worth.' every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the woven round him. we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the there was no need for father to know." labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each with frightened eyes at his accuser. "'Tell me all about it,' said I. fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "And what then?" nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But could gather together that I was able to avert another public you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not sake, don't!" "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "No, I had a dozen." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "Yes." common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she himself to tell his story. certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "And you can do nothing until then?" opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and several quiet little villages up there." "It may not come to that," said Holmes. as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but question," said Holmes, smiling. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to the coronet at all injured?" With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly his face. until night should bring an explanation. compunction about shooting them down." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "Not in a good cause." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the will not take me long to tell. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "'Where could I find him?' "Nothing?" you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "Certainly." He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers