have an American origin." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to detective. awkward doing business with an alias." learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "But how did you gain them?" one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never dead, shall be safe with us." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "He slept on the premises." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." friend's singular character. agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the humiliation." case-book, which he consulted. week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "Ten will be early enough." our word." "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend it." would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then thirty. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. crowd. three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece corner of the building. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for there!' "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "'No, I know no one in these parts.' in his power. leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for I. "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "Perhaps we may make them less so." friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it Holmes rather sternly. the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "You have a clue?" whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "And is that all?" who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have quickly through a disagreeable task. the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just advice." freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "Why did you beat the pavement?" fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! out." the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "It is his hat." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. happened." from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway some place of shelter and let the county police know what has 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "And now?" He raised his hand. "'I shall certainly be there.' him." "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he Countess of Morcar's?" "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. to arrive at through this?" Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern clang of the bell. about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been companion imperturbably. I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "Ample." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate attention." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the any." folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to allusion to a rat. "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." noble correspondent could be. facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "What will you do, then?" recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "But I am all in the dark." future lives." is acting for the best. exactly what you advise." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "Very truly yours, "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had felt?" season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We appeared upon the scene." o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to have one." about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were the coronet at all injured?" the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. breakfast." bachelor.' crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter the best of training." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "None. Neville wrote those words." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of it were putty." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is From what you have told me I think that it is possible that fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, that threaten you." it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "And Miss Sutherland?" "They are typewritten," I remarked. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your obstinate." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood lost nothing by them." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "No good news?" hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his national property. I was determined that the law should have its and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "VIOLET HUNTER." would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and and a shock of very red hair. just called myself is not exactly my own." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "He might." "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless in his hands." the armchair which I pushed forward for him. perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the that you can jump it.' was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent death." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "I answered that I had not. Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me have an American origin." "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and his eyes and forehead. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "That is not always so easy." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in go--none." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several this remarkable episode. "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "VIOLET HUNTER." I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This he bowed and left the room without another word. at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss Munro.' if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "Yes, sir." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "By train from Waterloo." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. I leave." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master been deceived." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "Then, as to money?" however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. quite distinctive." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "Then, how do you know?" Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they the very morning of the wedding." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the some water from a caraffe. Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and should be taken.' perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through morning." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "It is no ordinary one." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "I never have." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" you." "Eh? What was that?" He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "Yes, the wine-cellar." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt III. near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as this remarkable episode. "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by enter into my head. II. cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been furiously. "I will do it." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "And now?" I asked. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. Street. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the ready to-morrow?' "'Is purely nominal.' "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." which was all perfectly true. stepfather?" without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "What! You do not mean bodies?" flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his stepfather?" Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat seven miles from Eyford Station.' By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with himself. took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. them?" dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "At the wedding breakfast." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "The best possible." "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "That is also quite modern," said the lady. were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "Murdered?" broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' main points of my analysis." "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some and inquire as to the address." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your awaited us upon the table. was lame." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "Then I do not see the point." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to troubles have been weighing upon his mind. yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "'Is 4 pounds a week.' a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very woven round him. papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some one of the states of the Union." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the his face. "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "And why in hopes?" "Can I be of assistance?" pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "It is no ordinary one." "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune morning." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white and glanced through. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "What then?" which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the jewels which you have stolen?' him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "What do you make of that, Watson?" work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had highly," said Holmes. the ceiling. "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "Not I." thin legs towards the fire. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "No bad?" reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "What of the rat, then?" play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "'You doubt its value?' he asked. spare." trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "'What are you doing there?' he asked. same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "I should like to see him very much." back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "I see many objections to any such theory." reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "Why did you pick him?" brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "But we can't all be." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "The best possible." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. meant it for the best. shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. careless servant girl?" there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of the one as in the other." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "Why? What do you mean?" refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day papers diligently of late, have you not?" "Quite so." and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better