case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said ready to-morrow?' the matter." matters immensely." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing of your young ladies.' would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him very morning of my second wedding." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "It is his hat." quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that read over the extraordinary announcement. make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy outbreak?" housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came was used.' it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it fish-monger and a tide-waiter." round with crates and massive boxes. number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "I would give my fortune to have them back." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It of Mr. Rucastle's." bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never http://gutenberg.net/license). after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and been with you?" and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and out." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had woman." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which himself. you." figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of questioning and rather startled gaze. long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" is," said he presently: "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to his forehead." depend upon my doing so.' commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. crime." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "'I shall certainly be there.' him and tried to hold him back. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup his forehead." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see even so self-evident a thing as that." spark where all is dark to me." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in any more." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "And help." and it need not interfere very much with one's other name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "You were travelling in the States?" 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "Precisely." head. So long, then!" yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "Pray do so." they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "Why did you beat the pavement?" "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. Count Von Kramm." gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be friends, not even his own brother. offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in unkempt, staring out at me. housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, are windows in it, of course?" think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "The rest you will leave in our hands." fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable during which he might have communicated with his friend the frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential which our visitor detailed to us. "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "Yes, it would be as well." absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted allusion to a rat. Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. she to prove their authenticity?" he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and sofa. This way, please!" they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "It goes to the housekeeper's room." populous neighbourhood." vault. a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had your sleep?' and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "Yes, there are nearly always some there." Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. lips." "And it is--" "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So imbecility!" he cried. distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the Surrey." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "I don't believe it." "Precisely." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing whatever might befall. "And you can do nothing until then?" printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's that there was nothing in it, after all." a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which better grown goose." dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out second window is the one that I jumped from." "I do." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was cigars in their mouths. case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "But I am all in the dark." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the trying to your nerves." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which any more." "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is criminal. We have already had experience of such." "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "But she could not love him." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said in a friendly supper." expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "Never." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little may never be exposed to such a temptation." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "And on what day did he meet his death?" "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." putting in the horse. Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, had picked up in the wood. increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to morning." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic His smile broadened. "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "That was it, sir." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." young Openshaw's." "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "And who is her maid?" "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and way in." followed. the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were down from London to inquire more deeply into it." Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended should be so warm over such a trifle." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. people don't know." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "I saw her in conversation with her maid." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "Certainly, madam." "How do you know, then?" "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "By no means." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to answered with a sidelong glance. of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "Entirely." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "Can I be of assistance?" half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little again before evening." "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through Pope's Court, Fleet Street." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it feature." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming case before our client came into the room." it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It to have been novel and of interest." I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, voice, changing her seat as requested. work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at one else, I think." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "You forget that I know nothing about it." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who and it need not interfere very much with one's other that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "'Which dealer's?' evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "Yes, he did." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "You are hungry," I remarked. statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "'It is locked up,' I answered. father's young wife. go from here to the Strand." If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was questioning and rather startled gaze. place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's used to be." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "When did it break out?" "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing used to be." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I Cross for the Continent." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "'What would be the hours?' I asked. his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you have one." the nursery. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "No good news?" "That is also quite modern," said the lady. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying gigantic client. time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of