me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned orange pips. "It is no ordinary one." upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "Your presence might be invaluable." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "Then I am your man." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or during that time.' companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then him, that man would not have given me such complete information few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "Why did you pick him?" reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "Married! When?" father's young wife. would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "She will not sell." some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From results." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two married her." "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "Indeed! Whose, then?" "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down one of the states of the Union." looking up at the numbers of the houses." you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "Yes, from Horsham." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "Yes, it would be as well." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," been able to understand it, in a very few words. more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with again on its way. third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but which it had come upon my father." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "Certainly." neither fascinating nor artistic." "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our corner of the building. and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some child?' should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the think that any burglar could have done. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. very old mansion. the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "Only as much as we can deduce." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read front of the hall door has given its name to the place. laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and side. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to writer." about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "Yes." "Precisely." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "Yes, that is the Crown." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" character. the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "I cannot imagine." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "The landlord of the Alpha." on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' drove away. "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "Can I be of assistance?" of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are shall not find me ungrateful." age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may place no limit on the sum I may draw." "Yes." "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I up this clue while it is still hot." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of the armchair which I pushed forward for him. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the against a man in the prime of life?" and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "Not I." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "You did not overhear what they said?" "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in ago." of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "Did your wife hear all this?" of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "How did he come?" the King without delay." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "'Most admirably.' is worth.' "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. appeal." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one me, and I could not think that his explanation of the yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "Here?" however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, His name is Francis Prosper." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened where she found matters as described by the last witness. petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning know what is wrong with it.' central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, this Miss Turner." "'Certainly,' I answered. "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and was once confined in the cab my mission was practically which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of papers." "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" new acquaintance to Baker Street. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's lids now and glanced across at his visitor. situation." Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "I cannot think." was shining brightly. Miss Holder?" observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "'Never.' I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, before, for it was considerably after midnight. came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and Holmes' face clouded over. the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "I am to be neutral?" "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and Pope's Court. my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent key of the affair now." telegram would bring me down to your help." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from him." "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "My private note-paper." "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "In the cells." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' him to be an active member of the medical profession." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "It surprised me." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable overpowering excitement and concern. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. photograph?" "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through during that time.' relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. several quiet little villages up there." address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin him, that man would not have given me such complete information but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, Farm upon the left." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "It missed him, then?" among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in more solid." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment Miss Holder?" "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "How did you trace it, then?" the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "Certainly." cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "I would pay ten." was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "'Certainly not. But why?' "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our entirely lost his self-respect." of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at is now desirous of getting those letters back." girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and noble correspondent could be. morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute have not had my rubber." minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle foot. delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the thirty. who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "By train from Waterloo." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening ceremony." excitement. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually be there in time for your coming." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "Did he not advertise?" Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a visitors." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' seven miles from Eyford Station.' and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his 'please.'" precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little better in every way that they should make their position a little think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for prove to be little relation between the different incidents of that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am and I shall be with you presently." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "'Where could I find him?' "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a walking." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the frequently gained my first real insight into the character of the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "My last client of the sort was a king." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "At half-wages, in fact." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this interest. They are important, you understand, without being "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect The events in question occurred in the early days of my you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which yet." speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "Frequently." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" and capable of preserving a secret.' suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored was the fact that his father should, according to his account, the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "If I can be of use." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "Yes." me. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "Yes." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran tear off another piece?' as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted your sleep?' happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and said Mr. Holder. the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "But his left-handedness." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I existence." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "Yes?" "I think that I had better go, Holmes." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been outsides of the windows. still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two