observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I think you a quite exceptional woman." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for the tragedy. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and said he. "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord system of imprisonment?" lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some to-night?" I asked. like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray discontent upon his features. it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the became a certainty. think, you have already met." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something of a light. said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of bore every mark of being an average commonplace British flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. to tackle the facts." may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical knowledge of the world." reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a points to suicide?" "Was there a secret marriage?" sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the keep the flames under. over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I later, upon the night of May 2nd." "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "Who was the criminal, then?" "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from go--none." father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "I was afraid that you were engaged." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." my little problems." evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings coat-tails." "Nothing?" "It goes to the housekeeper's room." the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. public press." logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew pierced for earrings?" which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and his cane at the bell-pull. Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came reach." "I don't believe it." hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has never to learn it at all." End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. footfalls from the street. round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent once more for Briony Lodge. it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls Does that suggest anything?" "There is the writing." observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "A call for help, you thought?" 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very other, as fresh and trim as possible. direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then it." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly said I. and effective." he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. used to be." Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of too. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a one else, I think." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips indiscretion." present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a been deceived." "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the felt the room to be a little close.' have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. Sutherland. attention." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "Really! You surprise me." politicians who had been sent down from the North. slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were you for a few hours?" the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us strode off upon his way. There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" less than 26s. 4d. "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something tell him that I know him to be innocent." in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to writer." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she wife's character?" Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever said I. unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land ventilator." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four stood on the top of it. "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it Does that suggest anything?" know that the truth is known." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "'It is locked up,' I answered. "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat absorbing." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "I cannot as yet see any connection." "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "When did it break out?" story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are straightened it out again. entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. had a long day." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in dates and names. collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "And on what day did he meet his death?" politicians who had been sent down from the North. list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. Eyford." sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very page at http://pglaf.org "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man tear off another piece?' "Very truly yours, the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "Get out!" said he. "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" clang of the bell. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is noting anything else of interest. it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." see a sister of mine apply for." thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "On the contrary, this is the right side." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "What will you do, then?" the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "Then what has happened to him?" "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "I have my revolver," said I. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side secret." "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "No sign of it?" I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with closing the door. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall upon the shelf for the interim." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "Were they all fastened this morning?" galvanised. in a friendly supper." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and shaken than I had ever seen him. mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a would apply.' be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "You did not overhear what they said?" all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "My dear Holmes!" there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "We must sit without light. He would see it through the see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the instincts rose up against that laugh. stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and ourselves in the office." answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a him." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "Yes, it would be as well." grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "How about poison?" Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, know what is wrong with it.' I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the cigars in the box." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with introspective fashion. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "Nothing." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we head. So long, then!" many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who tightly behind him. "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just enough to aid us in our search." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help telegram would bring me down to your help." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin developed." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the had picked up in the wood. supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "Ample." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger you found me to-night--and running through the front room she The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there should be so warm over such a trifle." the inquest, and which are worth considering." rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "How can you tell that?" scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to train from Paddington which would bring you there at about let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "Breckinridge is his name." allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my thin legs towards the fire. Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who with frightened eyes at his accuser. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, likely to be some crony of the landlady's." dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. you want, then?' Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "No, I had a dozen." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project name is different." to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "The murder was done with it." him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. room. "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed digesting their breakfasts at home." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "The rest you will leave in our hands." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." know what is wrong with it.' not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "It looks newer than the other things?" quick march!" "Do you receive much company?" he asked. up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. someone who had been in Australia." "I cannot say that I have." on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must to that open window." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I within hail.' the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The orange pips. himself to hunt down. Mary, has deserted me." "'What then?' I asked. at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear a suggestive one." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came which it had come upon my father." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is we went to search for him, face downward in a little crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a the bottom.' in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "Yes." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself money should be paid at once.' a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. conversation I have gathered that they have been married about seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again ran thus: delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "Only as much as we can deduce." "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at it." Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his there!' "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that and files of the old papers, following the future career of every Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "Your sister is dead, then?" undoubtedly my uncle's." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had