that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, of fine shops and stately business premises that they really in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out system of imprisonment?" "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., with frightened eyes at his accuser. presume?" should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We in his hands." sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to returning from some small jollification and was making his way Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously narrative." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. the loss of it. not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how bore every mark of being an average commonplace British my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of Lee, in the county of Kent." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, breakfast?" have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "It must be recovered." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge that I am arrested." prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the 'please.'" name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, of the one which your family is now devouring." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "Where, then, is my wife?" places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "No, thank goodness, she did not." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "Was your sister dressed?" "Just look it up, then." where Mr. Fordham shows you.' a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "On your arm?" Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out be best to do. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, such attractions and accomplishments?' "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a him." air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the tell them apart.' 1.E.9. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "Yes, they were peculiar boots." had picked up in the wood. strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "Can I be of assistance?" their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "It must be recovered." undoubtedly my uncle's." "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. II. open." "What have you to say now?" word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "'I have heard so.' expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "Then you may be so with me." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "And you thought he was pulled back?" the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass made his money." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding bonnet, and went out." You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "She showed me, as I told you she would." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "It was." face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than lost his Christmas dinner." supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "'I am sure if I had known--' continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, It was close upon four before the door opened, and a a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do to affect your life." "I promise," said Holmes. bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He as the one I chose?' his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his tail." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in to affect your life." for and were ordered to this address. that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "I am all attention, madam." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the attention." mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a was feeling which was the fattest.' "Certainly, madam." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no forecastle of an emigrant ship. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "I should wish to." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "Did you observe the colour?" as he folded up the epistle. cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "But how?" in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not and glanced through. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at official police." latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the done what I asked you, Jones?" "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind have established a very serious case against the son of the and inquire as to the address." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside noting anything else of interest. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "Who by?" our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that only touch the interest." "In heaven's name, what for?" doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "But your client--" side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "Perfectly so." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, made his money." individual and becomes the badge of a society." only touch the interest." dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which been deceived." "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "That is unusual in a young girl." fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I chance." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased nothing with him." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "No, I think that I'll take it." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, mystery!" utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "They are typewritten," I remarked. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the the very morning of the wedding." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that thin legs towards the fire. The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" to-night?' then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "I never have." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "It is true that I have been generally successful." daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which until night should bring an explanation. him. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of pound a week." and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of tail." "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "It is a murder, then?" entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly might help us?" companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. breakfast." judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "At the wedding breakfast." "And leave your case unfinished?" presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty vanished into the darkness. "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "None." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon me. For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy call it cruel." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our on in his house." "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and train.' "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if he bowed and left the room without another word. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "No." which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had your most interesting statement." "But how?" an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the of this gang." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. indeed happy." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed read over the extraordinary announcement. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little with her." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that true." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. floor. where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the what is your own theory as to what took place?" observed. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "He slept on the premises." past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You the coronet at all injured?" opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "It was." all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too into the bag, and made for the door. breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, threw himself down with his face to the pillow. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my him. minor matters until to-morrow." late." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "The vanishing of the lady." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "And why?" you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "I was sure that I might rely on you." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, foot. became a certainty. opportunities to fix the problem. Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with crime." invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that posted to-day." but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by shall use the carriage to-night." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "No, distinctly professional." is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some success. admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. this unhappy family?" Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "Yes." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his noting anything else of interest. beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "'Never,' said I. way: that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "It is no ordinary one." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "But who is he?" equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "That sounds a little paradoxical." dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "I have seen the police." bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "It is half-past ten now." the nursery. out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce go from here to the Strand." miles off. would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but me. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much Pope's Court. suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the were unconscious?" thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. arrested. You then--" that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a