a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "He is still with you, I presume?" "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in evidence," I remarked. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "At what time?" "Well?" the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "I am all attention, madam." round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded anything to do with the matter?" had picked up in the wood. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end here and I will read it to you: nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made exactly what you advise." "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. matter." twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I the date of his supposed suicide." "Quite so." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "Yes." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was him to be an active member of the medical profession." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "'Tell me all about it,' said I. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "'Stolen!' he cried. laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. that before taking the final step I should like to submit the my secret was safe in his possession. "It is half-past ten now." glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "And when will you call?" passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "To the police?" had died away into the silence from which it rose. or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical secret." have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the dead, shall be safe with us." was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into where Mr. Fordham shows you.' keep the flames under. fattened it expressly for you.' "Is he quiet?" the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called to tackle the facts." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "By train from Waterloo." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "'Where to?' as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged lips." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "But what is it you wish?" opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "I am still in the dark." with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate one or two very singular points about this room. For example, of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. official police." have been better. It is all right." and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "'What, the red-headed man?' would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, the coronet at all injured?" "I answered that I had not. dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded and looked back. snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates to a more successful conclusion." chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the the station." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "Not him." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." as he remarks, very much against the son." "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "But I have heard all that you have heard." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "Only as much as we can deduce." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "None." suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "Absolutely none." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I during that time.' the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the in his hands." "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "'What are you doing there?' he asked. at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave that you wished to speak to me?' was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "I will, Miss Turner." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the McCarthy." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the events than those which have happened in my own family." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real young Openshaw's." "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very copied or distributed: "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are once more on the important position which you have been fortunate necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man in the port of London." you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle Cross for the Continent." outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "How about poison?" imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to Holmes' face clouded over. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "I don't believe it." acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "How on earth--" makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "What shall I do?" front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these to some other building. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, The events in question occurred in the early days of my however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were and have this put in the evening papers." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even and no precautions can guard against." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "I know where it is." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had the inner apartment." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had very peculiar words of the dying woman?" see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "What I expected to see." with her." I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for was a perfect sample of the class. Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, said Mr. Holder. There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it little adventures." the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. Countess of Morcar's?" we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view strange features which were associated with the two crimes which impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately distance from the station, and there we found the young lady home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no his cane at the bell-pull. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the him to go away.' "'Ample.' heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "I was afraid that you were engaged." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning fire. You quite follow me?" professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "Yes, the wine-cellar." stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right look upon these things in a different way." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "No." Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm Cross for the Continent." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "What are they?" cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's delirious. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my your equipment. retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced annoyance, but no jest. been anything against him. He had for years been known as a possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick future lives." broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "At half-wages, in fact." of them has the shutters up.' Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. American. Then who could this American be, and why should he which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "Then I am your man." houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "What!" he roared. pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence ago." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "It is half-past ten now." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "'Never.' the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "And Irene Adler?" can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled Mrs. Toller serenely. this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the get her out of the way." was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "And why in hopes?" quick march!" "What do you make of that, Watson?" sentimental considerations in the background which would induce style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "Yes." indeed happy." my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there key of the affair now." "At the wedding breakfast." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "One of his hands." mystery." on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be that I am arrested." congratulate you again." foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah unprofitable." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. Edgeware Road. how narrow had been my escape. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it is," said he presently: