could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "What can it mean?" I gasped. "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a chill to my heart. "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "You will not go there first?" some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some to-night." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "Was there a secret marriage?" said I. "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves You want to know what became of those geese?" Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "Could he throw no light?" distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "I warn you that they are very incomplete." the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course chair. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "'Certainly,' I answered. watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have case-book, which he consulted. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an place no limit on the sum I may draw." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "I answered that I had not. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of The police have openly confessed that they can at present make into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of which should have the effect of calling the attention of the heavily into it. "No." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "It is to him that this trophy belongs." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." it." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me points to suicide?" respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "Yes, certainly." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "You have but to name it." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "Nothing?" to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "Yes, sir." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the felt the room to be a little close.' "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where never to learn it at all." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank never to learn it at all." III. severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Not particularly." "And is that all?" Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place The King stared at him in amazement. pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the me, and I could not think that his explanation of the firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign opportunities to fix the problem. "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could enter Dr. Roylott's room." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train know what is wrong with it.' actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." was used.' our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly writing, and yet I know it well." lamp in his hand. great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "I guessed as much." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he during the last few years, and there are many noble families to in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was call for protection in the marriage market, for the present drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. heavy and sharp instrument." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached case before our client came into the room." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "It is true that I have been generally successful." from the brougham. well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his which our visitor detailed to us. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "Pray do so." "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "On the contrary, this is the right side." vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been that the gas is not laid on in his house?" next day. article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." Clair, of Lee." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. this man was intellectual?" rat could hardly pass through." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." bearing upon the case." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed one which it was hard to resist. to take care of herself." is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until and files of the old papers, following the future career of every the very morning of the wedding." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, that he will be back before evening." occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and Young McCarthy must be got off, however." Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. she has been waylaid. There has been no result." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out which our visitor detailed to us. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her Lestrade of Scotland Yard." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried posted to-day." and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin whatever might befall. the date of his supposed suicide." galvanised. and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round without a word or a look. out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she Holmes. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf minor matters until to-morrow." lamp. think that he is innocent?" and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, hour." enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. had no one to advise her at such a crisis." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the crime." from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by next day. "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of than was visible to me." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young and looked back. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a remarked. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat me, and I could not think that his explanation of the itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was with you?" remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the murdered man." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "Murdered?" Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "Yes." daring than any effort of the imagination." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "What is it?" "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her morning." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." Doctor, of the paper and the date." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "Why serious?" electronic works "'I shall certainly be there.' "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us himself. he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not do.' as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an ways of our fellow-men." the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the fatally injured? the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. through." boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "Frequently." thought that she would have been so carried away." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "I will not look." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "10th. John Swain cleared. happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "In the cells." country, and eventually married, without anyone having a were new raised from a basin. transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "Did you observe the colour?" this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where all-comprehensive glances. "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to would apply.' chance." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter have not had my rubber." one of the states of the Union." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, down. less than 26s. 4d. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room character. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. head. So long, then!" pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "'I am sure if I had known--' "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "'And the work?' showing my impatience. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her fashion which was peculiar to him. companion. just ask you whether you had heard it.' the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned thirty. with her." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "Yes, certainly." trying to your nerves." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came his grey eyes. imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "Nothing?" hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I been lifted and conveyed somewhere." of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much that I can to serve you." shaken than I had ever seen him. and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should some mystery and the punishment of some crime." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "It came here." possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is Eyford." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "I see many objections to any such theory." "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a to me. that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. derbies." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who points to suicide?" "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." this poor creature." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. salesman. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are secret." think you a quite exceptional woman." "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest was shining brightly. merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy