facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at excitement. building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be colonel looking down at me. from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "Yes." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had characteristics, but those are the more obvious." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "Oh, the cause is excellent!" matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms already been minutely examined." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, key turn in the lock." happened." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can detective. 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "Very murderous indeed." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." official police." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "At half-wages, in fact." "Murdered?" "But what will you do?" to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies fled together." husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is have one." license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to went to the Alpha were town bred." important." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" highly," said Holmes. previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with shoulder. the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It awkward doing business with an alias." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there vault. presume?" and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you to take care of herself." overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "When did she vanish, then?" and looked back. the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly himself in a perplexing position. anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle hair?' call for it in person on Monday morning.' "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for their singular warning or token before them when starting upon you want, then?' "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. lost his Christmas dinner." so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat would then never go into court at all." heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "The King of Scandinavia." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who ventilator." the salesman. "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through weary and pale-looking. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is friend's singular character. greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in been shamefully used." neither fascinating nor artistic." "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the the roots. less than 26s. 4d. which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their easy-going way." he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything and the colonel ushered me in. Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any handed it to him. distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with some terrible trap for her." companion quietly. "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "Yes." call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I past. him, that man would not have given me such complete information "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow himself in a perplexing position. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "Perhaps we may make them less so." case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. it." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would congratulate you again." key of the affair now." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "Where to?" St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary returning from some small jollification and was making his way "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in have I gained?" knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "It is possible." "If so, much may have happened between." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and details should find their way into the papers. Inspector Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Yes." "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of to take care of herself." weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It digesting their breakfasts at home." "Who by?" gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I prisoner's face. docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it that there was nothing in it, after all." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you with some details as to your case." almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "What! Had he lost his wife?" frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of direction." humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling of the one which your family is now devouring." the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we obstinate." "I have seen the police." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "That also I could fathom." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "VIOLET HUNTER." the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That matter over." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "Dirty?" "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate photograph a cabinet?" gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "Very. But will he see it?" the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your knowledge of the world." call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "But you were on a friendly footing?" "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "'There is a drive, then?' you?" to-night's adventure." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous about. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "In which, sir?" "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their quick march!" north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in if only as a check to my own memory." "There is the writing." "I would give my fortune to have them back." "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." foot. Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "Frequently." "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. that?' his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may the bed, and you in that chair." "Yes. He waved his hands." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "And you don't know his address?" "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "I think that it is very probable." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her was it brought him the coronet? bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "It is possible." from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "How often?" really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor was not a bird to be seen there. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me in the port of London." "'Which dealer's?' in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, chemical work which was so dear to him. leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if see me here to avoid scandal." reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "I never have." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his fled together." took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as DISSOLVED. "A greater distance to travel." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking should be so warm over such a trifle." "I cannot imagine." ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "How did you deduce the select?" "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they the south-west, I see." been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the direction." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that that he has suffered." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really humiliation." bled considerably." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." you came in." rose-bushes. about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the within hail.' "'Yes, I promise.' back to my heart. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my really the only notable feature about the thing." "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman both be extremely obliged.' well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "It was an hour's good drive." and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "One of the highest in England." facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "Dirty?" of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as key turn in the lock." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a directors, with the result that you have seen." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening dear old homesteads?" have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" Sholtos." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "In what way?" asked Holmes. hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and clanging. the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "But you can know nothing of this?" the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from mystery may be cleared along those lines." "No legal papers or certificates?" "I was certainly surprised to find you there." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect ventilator." the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "Where, then, is my wife?" nonsense.' very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of to tell." Count Von Kramm." all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a house for five minutes.' "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time views." the coronet in his hand?" the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "A confidential servant?" "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "But what harm can there be in that?" put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. question you as to those details which seem to me to be most arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the to change my dress. to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax cheerful." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. characteristics, but those are the more obvious." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" which it had come upon my father." both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a stood on the top of it. I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was in his hands." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other records." broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and was used.' shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have with you?" a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the in this way: Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the events than those which have happened in my own family." and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. place no limit on the sum I may draw." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at carriage. It was a chestnut." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King as the one I chose?' There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones