should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William and wait." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "And now?" He raised his hand. following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "'A dozen yards or so.' dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him delighted to hear it," he said. side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker the King without delay." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for his face. You want to know what became of those geese?" ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "In the cells." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "How did he come?" some mystery and the punishment of some crime." seven miles from Eyford Station.' "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be into the bag, and made for the door. Again Holmes raved in the air. "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any at once, for I have only half an hour." sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "And that is--" up this clue while it is still hot." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already children over to America with him, so that I found myself without towards the blaze. darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon Heh?' he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "'You cannot say what it was?' significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "By all means." than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined room had already been engaged for us. your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "It looks newer than the other things?" where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "But who is he?" problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was London for the present?" outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "I cannot tell." late." request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your if I call to-morrow?" of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call coat-tails." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." it. "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when For additional contact information: with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and lumber-room." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, from you?" "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of south, for the country is more deserted there." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his Literary Archive Foundation mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." the running down." His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with a room. about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back to some other building. "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time the morning and make my own way in the world.' the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and appeared upon the scene." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "She will not sell." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without what I may call a really hard day's work." "Where to?" "'About the same.' his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, here." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman whether it answered to the description of any of their have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the are, I think, all that we need." "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting about. "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "I am still in the dark." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's annoyance, but no jest. coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on fishes. "How about poison?" tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if away into the river." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the round and wave him away like that.' now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend there is a decided draught." doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying placed his cuttings. homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to to have that photograph." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "A greater distance to travel." "And when will you call?" at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with least a fellow-countryman. routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the for securing the situation." both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing married her." "You have but to name it." greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. was a perfect sample of the class. "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what me. them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found asked with his eyes open. "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my crowd. "This concluded the examination of the witness." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to is so. I know all about McCarthy." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united the stones. "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the dead, shall be safe with us." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One help us in this matter." observed. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever occupations.' before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe strength." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened hereditary King of Bohemia." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "Proceed, then." "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "Stolen." "I think that it is very probable." transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a and I shall be with you presently." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "Yes. He waved his hands." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "'Yes, sir.' "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray fact, we may call it conclusive." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant sake, don't!" finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "I have my revolver," said I. the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "Yes." that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most ventilator." my little problems." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have make me his representative both with the servants and with the betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "Then you may be so with me." License. You must require such a user to return or least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "A call for help, you thought?" extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "To the police?" "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "I shall most certainly do so." between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "Game for a morning drive?" breakfast." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "That is possible." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really bonnet, and went out." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a bears upon the case?" be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this you." the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before hurried by. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "Come in!" said Holmes. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "The doctor?" walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I four million human beings all jostling each other within the "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent key of the affair now." I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, page at http://pglaf.org "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of entirely lost his self-respect." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "Entirely." Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "I should like to see him very much." to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, with some details as to your case." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. go back?" "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "Breckinridge is his name." to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal invisible to me," I remarked. the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "We must have a cab." "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events had picked up in the wood. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the get the tickets." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands from you?" scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "Then he might have called to you?" building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or very old mansion. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of me have 200 pounds?' A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is as he remarks, very much against the son." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, into the bag, and made for the door. "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "You don't mind breaking the law?" "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I weighed down with some great anxiety. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "Not yet." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards families. Now for the facts. and inquire as to the address." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On whereabouts. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "I don't say that. Perhaps." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "I will, Miss Turner." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. only touch the interest." state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of dramatic, in fact."