them?" explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and the coronet in his hands?" in a friendly supper." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "Here?" face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him and the church but not where the lady lived." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO bird I ate is country bred." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly open." "But what harm can there be in that?" "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present were unconscious?" his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further advice." right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the John Swain, of St. Augustine. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "I don't say that. Perhaps." was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "Very murderous indeed." hand, madam?" "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in little trying to do so much typewriting?" down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "I am to be neutral?" impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to may have an influence upon European history." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. will be renamed. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' chair. in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps intrusion of other matters." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "Did your wife hear all this?" mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "In which, sir?" mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "And when will you call?" and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two the loss of it. question you as to those details which seem to me to be most six. Come in!" of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you touch that coronet?' "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank silent! Oh, he will be silent!' are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "'I shall certainly be there.' One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "Nothing." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "'There is a drive, then?' "Yes?" conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own galvanised. a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "Well, some hundreds of times." "What I expected to see." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "Stoke Moran?" said he. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set thought that she would have been so carried away." arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "Pray continue your narrative." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "So I heard. You have him here?" "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to second." girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks only touch the interest." misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all are, I think, all that we need." enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "Just look it up, then." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain indeed happy." "Yes." be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. that "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "Yes, he did." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the weigh very heavily upon my conscience." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "What are they?" Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." been anything against him. He had for years been known as a Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see noting anything else of interest. and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, you, my dear young lady?' broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." the coronet at all injured?" successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "Yes." "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "Yes." Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "My photograph." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "'Ample.' Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his burst into a hearty fit of laughter. much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "Nor running a chance of arrest?" closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her Chief Executive and Director fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "No, distinctly professional." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case writers could invent nothing more crude." crackling voice. "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to some city in a dream. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." habit of advancing money.' used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the becomes even more simple." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "What can it mean?" I gasped. gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "None." question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "And the cigar-holder?" aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "But you would not advise me to refuse?" plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, prisoner's face. other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he Foundation prepare for the new role I have to play." see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" death." directly by questioning you." brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us the ceiling. property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a key turn in the lock." the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "His face fell immediately. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, thin legs towards the fire. out of this horrible affair." at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which possible that we could bring him back to her? "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "It goes to the housekeeper's room." de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: I shall continue with my miserable story. "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it me. "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" coroner's jury." heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly absolutely follow my advice in every respect." gone. wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less four million human beings all jostling each other within the the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "Was the window open?" "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and allusion to a rat. madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in one else, I think." "If I can be of use." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant at my own good fortune. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the said he. "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for may have an influence upon European history." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "What! a murderous attack?" approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "'Most admirably.' stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the the roots. you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "Who by?" august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and the one as in the other." make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "It was a confession," I ejaculated. idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into vague figure huddled up in the darkness. will find little credit to be gained out of this case." chance at all." brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "Where to?" and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "Not him." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "He disappeared so suddenly." something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which my room." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "What can it mean?" I gasped. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have tassel actually lying upon the pillow. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had into the bag, and made for the door. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "It is half-past ten now." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant the inner apartment." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "Nothing." one else, I think." constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce maiden herself was most instructive." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "You don't mind breaking the law?" England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "I will do it." "That is possible." "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the certainly do as you advise." "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of Clair, of Lee." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so detective. the roots. "I am to be neutral?" "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to about. of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." all-comprehensive glances. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the at a side door. "'What then?' I asked. contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy desk. home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The writers could invent nothing more crude." vanished into the darkness. little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of is entirely a question of barometric pressure." and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we following enigmatical notices: however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my opportunities to fix the problem. money should be paid at once.' Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK have been better. It is all right." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of Holmes' thin, eager face. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, His smile broadened. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up extraordinary contortions. eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from case before our client came into the room." his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not bore every mark of being an average commonplace British misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "You have a clue?" what do you think they found in the pockets?" the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are