"None." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "And what did you see?" found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the Holmes. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between charge against him will break down." had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and me." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point which I could not give. He asked for Alice. Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "Two days later this same performance was gone through under vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "No more words. Get out!" Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the about here speaks of his kindness to him." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "An accident, I presume?" "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend to you." practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "I don't say that. Perhaps." "I have a cab outside." was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so the very letters. But what is this written above them?' be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "Perhaps I have." a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, present strange and interesting features that it is no easy law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and girl said." there was no need for father to know." "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "What shall I do?" their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "And how did he make his money?" man. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great and the church but not where the lady lived." villagers almost as much as their master. that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "What then?" unclasping of his long thin hands. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever 'please.'" purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler vault. of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "Where is it, then?" the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one this Miss Turner." taking in every detail of the apartment. "You have compromised yourself seriously." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "Bought." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you the warnings." "He said too much." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that without a word or a look. "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk from you?" to take care of herself." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." sneer upon his pale face. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "'I am sure that I do not know.' his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' Munro.' Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside away into the river." Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "Certainly." "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, problems help me to do so." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a roused himself from his reverie. "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady opportunities to fix the problem. his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would of note-paper. It read in this fashion: drawing your inferences." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of works. See paragraph 1.E below. "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab horse could go." were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." you want, then?' "The decline of his fortunes, then?" the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. beyond words. "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "You are all wrong." "Quite so. She has her freedom." morning." wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "This photograph!" trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." with her." planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began carried out of court." have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of the ceiling. course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "And you don't know his address?" man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and I was concerned in it." the inner apartment." and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he as this. Pray let me have the details." these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker not come at once?" her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a whole matter to your consideration." "I have my revolver," said I. souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to something of him before." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was of them has the shutters up.' mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the bled considerably." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. maiden herself was most instructive." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the him and tried to hold him back. the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the other, as fresh and trim as possible. wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "Yesterday." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, green of the new foliage. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work is acting for the best. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my is entirely a question of barometric pressure." everything which you would wish to know." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and lamp. he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "How can you tell that?" the coronet at all injured?" "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than written, and locked the door of the office after me. of them has the shutters up.' centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a companion imperturbably. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this Farm upon the left." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an directors, with the result that you have seen." being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to future lives." "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones lamp. that he will be back before evening." trying to your nerves." "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "You were travelling in the States?" our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted shaken than I had ever seen him. and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, posted to-day." the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something as noiselessly as she had come. strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps narrative." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near directly by questioning you." Sutherland. salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense other, as fresh and trim as possible. the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "Yes, from Horsham." "Oh, yes, easily." the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the himself to tell his story. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the nonsense.' Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to tell me that you intended to go into harness." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "Yes." "Did your wife hear all this?" room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "Not particularly." advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with point our research must commence, and we will begin it by down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and it. I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "The rest you will leave in our hands." from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "In answer to an advertisement." always that they were such commands as a lady might with Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "No, thank goodness, she did not." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with My friend smiled. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the go--none." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless you?" "Always." fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was chemical work which was so dear to him. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it there." have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to conduct the inquiry." recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. new duties?' most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All wife's character?" "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "He might." nothing with him." my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are be there in time for your coming." here." "'No, I know no one in these parts.' Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "ARAT," I read. "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the instincts rose up against that laugh. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile colour had been driven from his face. "Pray be precise as to details," said he. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "And when will you call?" Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. criminal. We have already had experience of such." cigars in their mouths. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "One of his hands." the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." was used.' But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I waste of energy." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or society." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "Then you may be so with me." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "But not more so than I to find you." it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. possible that we could bring him back to her? "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "What I expected to see." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" beg that you will break it off." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was envelope. paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which allusion to a rat. Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "It is his hat." For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the imbecility!" he cried. to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "How are you getting on?" and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, promised to bring home. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "Yes." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "Deserted you?" moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "It certainly sounds feasible." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond During two years I have had three consultations and one small "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "Holmes, the busybody!" routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by photograph a cabinet?" unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. think you a quite exceptional woman." "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the noting anything else of interest. had a long day." "But who is he?" a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "I know where it is." recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a