breakfast?" "And from a noble client?" brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "Never." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, feature." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. the bed, and you in that chair." questionable one." "'What, the red-headed man?' "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than is," said he presently: that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the your most interesting statement." "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "My own seal." "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "No sign of it?" the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "It's nothing of the kind." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that sound at heart." "Just look it up, then." "Why, what do you mean?" with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "You horrify me." aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the miles off. gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have when you have done it." outside. address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and 'please.'" the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would impression behind it as though a window had gently closed open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." know all about it," he snarled. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to held up the lantern and gazed about him. "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day pictures, libraries, or plate. I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "It's nothing of the kind." know all about it," he snarled. Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other there in twenty minutes." certainly not very gracious." go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for towards the blaze. "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm arms and began to sob in a high treble key. the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign hour." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "Has he come with you to-night?" to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the jewels which you have stolen?' his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "Where did he live, then?" legal crime." photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "That is it on the dressing-table." http://gutenberg.net/license). "Never." Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "And Miss Sutherland?" never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to he. "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "That is not always so easy." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more tied." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped becomes even more simple." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the weapon." him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "Your sister is dead, then?" reach." abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was I approached. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little papers." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked presented more singular features than that which was associated little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side will take you up to see the machine.' case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "Yes." "You will not go there first?" your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian From what you have told me I think that it is possible that terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? people in all walks of life. 'please.'" "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on discontent upon his features. lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "'Where could I find him?' during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the From what you have told me I think that it is possible that description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an public press." business matters.' society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a at my own good fortune. unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was house for five minutes.' St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your here and I will read it to you: statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too closing the door. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "Pray do so." "You will not go there first?" "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked papers." points to suicide?" considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been my little problems." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because subject to the trademark license, especially commercial copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "Yes, sir." papers diligently of late, have you not?" morning." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he This is what he says: weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." out of this horrible affair." "But how?" "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I you?' "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "Certainly." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "And when will you call?" on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "I say that I have solved it." my friend's incisive reasoning. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "Nor running a chance of arrest?" dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we copied or distributed: reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer that sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we over his head with a sweet womanly caress. on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted happened." black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to back to my heart. twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "No. His orders were to stay in the house." know that the truth is known." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "You were travelling in the States?" Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "I would give my fortune to have them back." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "What, then, did Peterson do?" "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six conceal it?" this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "Not him." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "And the cigar-holder?" "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but this as likely?" Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "I think that it is very probable." which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old see a sister of mine apply for." was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. sentimental considerations in the background which would induce For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I forebodings. in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "So I heard. You have him here?" Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he writing, and yet I know it well." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving less than 26s. 4d. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of affection." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and eat it." certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "How long did she speak to this Alice?" I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his details." his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out during that time.' I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to fish-monger and a tide-waiter." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend yourselves in at night?" butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that his knees, staring into the fire. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and looking up at the numbers of the houses." your co-operation." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "I am still in the dark." there." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. his eyes and forehead. You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial with you?" and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his not come at once?" I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them said I. the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering of Fenchurch Street." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" weapon." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "Because he was handy and would come cheap." he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "But we can't all be." dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "He might." going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "I was certainly surprised to find you there." disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "10th. John Swain cleared. where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "Why did you beat the pavement?" "Pray do so." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE fact, we may call it conclusive." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste to a light-house. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "I cannot tell." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear tell them apart.' "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "And sit in the dark?" not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "But the mystery?" asked with his eyes open. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," thin, with a long, sharp nose?" attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have crime. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I the coronet at all injured?" as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "Not yet." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." pressing in one house as in another. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "Entirely." "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "'Certainly not.' "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at it right.' the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. here." she might be summoned. very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his all that?" "No legal papers or certificates?" not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself enough to aid us in our search." neither fascinating nor artistic." guilty one." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and charge against him will break down." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an not, dad?" she asked. "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a