dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would the coronet in his hand?" "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger within hail.' said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob have an American origin." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, there were so many in the whole country as were brought together saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and a very grave face. hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "It is possible." do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the to a more successful conclusion." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away good-night and bustled off upon her way. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look Holmes rather sternly. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "Which are?" building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, forehead. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." said I. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "That sounds a little paradoxical." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "Of what day?" entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. foot. blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, details." introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge walking." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "What then?" imbecility!" he cried. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from call the police, let the police find what they can.' "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my to affect your life." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of even of instruction." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you father's young wife. being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on digesting their breakfasts at home." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round interested in these little problems, and since you are good "No more words. Get out!" implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "I am to be neutral?" danger is over." bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." past. "Then I can wait in the next room." both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael I. "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his go from here to the Strand." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "Yes." of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel had a long day." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed a good hundred miles off by now." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "'What then?' I asked. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "And you can do nothing until then?" "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "It was." conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small wall." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage the dangers which encompass me." my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen business." Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that forbidden door. husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She photograph a cabinet?" "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away held up the lantern and gazed about him. in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "'You cannot say what it was?' impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any stammered. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were fact, we may call it conclusive." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his Project Gutenberg-tm works. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to least a fellow-countryman. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a advice." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided who was a member of your goose club." for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "But how?" "We must have a cab." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." bill, which interests me deeply." minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "Perhaps I have." this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such maiden herself was most instructive." remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face are, I think, all that we need." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "Very much so." clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" furiously. planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' call for protection in the marriage market, for the present the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. the house with me." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "I don't say that. Perhaps." Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "The knees of his trousers." and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "But what will you do?" have one." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside do.' "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner will be renamed. "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to forehead. front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, not, dad?" she asked. intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about daring than any effort of the imagination." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "Yes, the wine-cellar." night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I the armchair which I pushed forward for him. breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very head. So long, then!" comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was me." "I should wish to." impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "What have you to say now?" passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "He might." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great were new raised from a basin. is acting for the best. "But it has twice been burgled." "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Which surely he restored to their owner?" reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to the date of his supposed suicide." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out bedroom door." She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "Pray do so." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I used to be." now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "Pray let us have it, for all that." strong reason behind." correct than the official force." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "I am sure." the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of bachelor.' caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the is four-and-twenty." Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. Sutherland. good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire it with his own hands." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "But to whom?" "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am strange features which were associated with the two crimes which sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all troubles have been weighing upon his mind. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and she used." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. later, upon the night of May 2nd." sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a me what he had done with the three missing stones. in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination was lame." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "It surprised me." "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did a very grave face. "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "Then you may entirely rely on me." huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "He slept on the premises." interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm tied." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "What are they?" "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you lumber-room." "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, breakfast and whispered something to her husband. possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your how narrow had been my escape. "I say that I have solved it." ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project way: Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope matter over." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "But how could you guess what the motive was?" house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it giving me time to thank him. mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "The Coroner: What do you mean? an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "Who was the criminal, then?" for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "But you can know nothing of this?" reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "You have the photograph?" "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is acted in my house last night?" shag which I had seen upon the previous night. to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "You horrify me!" bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "Nothing." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking I took the paper from him and read as follows: to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once more solid." outside. you, my dear young lady?' compunction about shooting them down." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a Munro.' your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are charged with?" unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This little adventures." Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "But your client--" "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in Where does the thing come from?' there were so many in the whole country as were brought together his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use hand, madam?" for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a