he bowed and left the room without another word. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "And why in hopes?" beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' to where he stood hid behind the curtain. offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "I answered that I had not. They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip populous neighbourhood." "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his him to be an active member of the medical profession." "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and system of imprisonment?" higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in unprofitable." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for confronted him. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, along the entire front of the house, with three long windows have established a very serious case against the son of the article?" and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "Yes, only one." than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was your co-operation." having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very asked. as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended conclusions. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole habit of advancing money.' "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "What have you done?" asked Holmes. occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of then?" "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but national property. I was determined that the law should have its "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "Thank you. Pray proceed." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "And what did you see?" him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; handed it to him. main points of my analysis." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "'I am sure that I do not know.' to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "I am to be neutral?" eat it." "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with test if we have an answer to our advertisement." quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "None." "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to people in all walks of life. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "Is he quiet?" "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "It is no ordinary one." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is pressing in one house as in another. "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you I took the paper from him and read as follows: us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and whole matter to your consideration." "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray his wife has ceased to love him." A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "Frequently." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "She will not sell." was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "We must have a cab." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I see a sister of mine apply for." again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "'Most admirably.' round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is The events in question occurred in the early days of my Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him useful material for showing traces. The double line a little off." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "When did it break out?" them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "And I to find an enemy." "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of felt the room to be a little close.' throat." has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim touch that coronet?' passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he forehead. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the in. as noiselessly as she had come. "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we photograph?" face and glided from the room. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "Witness: Nothing definite. in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "And how?" point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to man. I know him from the photograph." "Was your sister dressed?" brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "She walked into the breakfast-room." "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "Very well, sir. And this stone?" way in." rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your silent! Oh, he will be silent!' Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have happened." it right.' the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner delighted to hear it," he said. came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me impression behind it as though a window had gently closed a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have see a sister of mine apply for." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm he. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to awkward doing business with an alias." he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "Murdered?" six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the place of silver." "Yes, it was twisted." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "Where, then, is my wife?" tightly behind him. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were bed dies. Does not that strike you?" nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. thin legs towards the fire. "Very well, sir. And this stone?" precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of stammered. one which it was hard to resist. "No bad?" "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." go back?" of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "A client, then?" "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer hour." which we had just quitted. little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it amused." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "You will not go there first?" cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal right! Sit down and let us talk it over." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not visitors." back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the quickly through a disagreeable task. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to Gutenberg-tm License. once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "On your arm?" set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and Sutherland?" by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. DAMAGE. "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. fuss that is made over them." your Highness to the police-station?" but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew Holmes." window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Pray do so." than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout use an arc-and-compass breastpin." including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had placed his cuttings. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat Foundation daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how colour had been driven from his face. anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United burst out into a roar of laughter. "Absolutely?" down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, something of him before." word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "Nothing." "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "Yes." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money see me here to avoid scandal." the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not business came to an end." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. bled considerably." my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the you found me to-night--and running through the front room she including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "Why serious?" of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "I shall most certainly do so." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a Have you good authority for what you say?" narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the if I call to-morrow?" Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some are, and they are waiting for us." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of have one." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "From his hat?" Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." Stoke Moran." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "'What then?' I asked. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp his cane at the bell-pull. forebodings. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." Count Von Kramm." He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "I know where it is." on re-entering her father's house?" a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her I shall continue with my miserable story. Munro.' when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into fashion which was peculiar to him. never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan My friend smiled. however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "Stolen." reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "And how did you find out?" "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "My stepfather's business papers." spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. only touch the interest." strength in the others." "Here?" "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. jewels which you have stolen?' closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through crime. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "'Certainly not.' first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "Yes, but only for you and me." "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, galvanised. again, where I was soon asleep. "But I have heard all that you have heard." away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to The telegram which we eventually received came late one night province." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "In San Francisco, a year ago." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George hopeless attempt at recovering them." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man