down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" been." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "How did he come?" grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "If so, much may have happened between." "Did your wife hear all this?" was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began point our research must commence, and we will begin it by considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as a few minutes he said that it would be all right. point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "None. Neville wrote those words." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done just ask you whether you had heard it.' swore that no one else had been in the front room during the Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while shall not find me ungrateful." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly events than those which have happened in my own family." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told just ask you whether you had heard it.' slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "And now?" I asked. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really help us in this matter." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "I cannot say that I have." "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new once more to my work. it." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may case-book, which he consulted. money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the what do you think they found in the pockets?" "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the name is different." "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave think you a quite exceptional woman." "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it fishes. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "I have my revolver," said I. "To an English lawyer named Norton." attention." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "None." "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "In the cells." five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "One of the highest in England." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you think, you have already met." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband asked with his eyes open. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were minor matters until to-morrow." I approached. peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and events, Mr. Windibank!" It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "Nearly eleven." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as breakfast and whispered something to her husband. bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it the roots. that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful thin legs towards the fire. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves use an arc-and-compass breastpin." frequently gained my first real insight into the character of disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "I answered that I had not. have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "'Then let me do so?' be there in time for your coming." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and with frightened eyes at his accuser. quite distinctive." money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "What shall I do?" of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "I see no marks." states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "Certainly, madam." "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "Yes." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "Stolen, then." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "And Miss Sutherland?" the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "An accident, I presume?" horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." noise which awoke you from your sleep?" propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "Yes, certainly." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "'And the work?' much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The in his hands." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "By no means." defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get danger is over." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your and it need not interfere very much with one's other "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "What is it?" it." father's place of business?" without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in nonsense.' "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' Edgeware Road. began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "On Monday." including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the present strange and interesting features that it is no easy nonsense.' Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, chance at all." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "Perhaps I have." sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the to talk it over. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was miles off. Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not and it need not interfere very much with one's other murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of round with crates and massive boxes. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "'How far from the body?' editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of in the dead of the night?' "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense shall use the carriage to-night." case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front purpose of examination. the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "How did you deduce the select?" even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "But how?" coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" the loss of it. of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "We must sit without light. He would see it through the firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "What, then?" when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps note?" with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an as noiselessly as she had come. It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would lumber-room." "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug upon an income of about 60 pounds." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over hands. which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I outbreak?" he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered letters?" was once confined in the cab my mission was practically keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case true." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. his cane at the bell-pull. questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." morning." "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he morning." you?" "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether again on its way. "In what way?" asked Holmes. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom written, and locked the door of the office after me. "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it never came back." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a him and tried to hold him back. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But call for protection in the marriage market, for the present For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "But how will you look?" as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of should be so warm over such a trifle." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do you in your example." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a begun to whiten, even as mine has." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent helping a boy to put up the shutters. "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "Your presence might be invaluable." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend your equipment. To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was intimate personal affairs in this public manner." extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of into the room. the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "No more words. Get out!" sneer upon his pale face. time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the to have that photograph." to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman Holmes' thin, eager face. "My stepfather's business papers." running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead over his head with a sweet womanly caress. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "When did she vanish, then?" "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "Was your sister dressed?" the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself was lame." investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may have an American origin." from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a galvanised. were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural it with his own hands." friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "Was the window open?" have an American origin." "Thank you. Pray proceed." my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "Did your wife hear all this?" kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his front of me. of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a where we are going." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." already referred to. abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but woman." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The manager. before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." placed his cuttings. laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from status with the IRS. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "I will, Miss Turner." having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked the date of his supposed suicide." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "Yes." back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty cigar and let me expound." it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "You have a clue?" wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "My last client of the sort was a king." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped some mystery and the punishment of some crime." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "What, then, did Peterson do?" his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And