presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "I cannot say that I have." continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as directors, with the result that you have seen." have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "Well, some hundreds of times." "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between Miss Holder?" from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had forbidden door. horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, had this final quarrel? my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were morning." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless for the market.' with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, the address that was given us in the advertisement. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked I nodded to show that I had heard. deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty that there was nothing in it, after all." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "'What would be the hours?' I asked. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and experiences." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "Yes." Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "But I have heard all that you have heard." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, cigar and let me expound." thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black there were one or two details which were new to me. But the headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "Yes, it would be as well." I shall continue with my miserable story. "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "Yes, there are nearly always some there." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a pictures, libraries, or plate. "'Yes, sir.' "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "'What then?' I asked. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but purpose of examination. "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate there in twenty minutes." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "Stolen." my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. so far?" we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "'Why that?' I asks. o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a me upon any point which I do not make clear." help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "Never." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right up this clue while it is still hot." which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "But you have hopes?" homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked these bleak autumnal evenings." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more infinite languor in his face. disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "My stepfather's business papers." "I am sure." American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond papers diligently of late, have you not?" and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." some city in a dream. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back which our visitor detailed to us. years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his not as remarkable as your advertisement." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "None." He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "That is possible." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "Ten will be early enough." I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "Imitated." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "And your father? Did you tell him?" from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house tell me that you intended to go into harness." vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether so.' counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each never came back." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it works. See paragraph 1.E below. Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' too. distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. sake, don't!" the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, main points of my analysis." "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked at home. "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "How on earth--" in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so it. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "Then I shall certainly come." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and stammered. entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "What shall I do?" out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." awaited us upon the table. the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your tassel actually lying upon the pillow. half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should to you." lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the seven miles from Eyford Station.' "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "None." their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something to-night's adventure." summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they families. Now for the facts. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came is so. I know all about McCarthy." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "I am following you closely," I answered. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "What steps will you take?" I asked. really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of indiscretion." "VIOLET HUNTER." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our in this note: with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "You heard nothing yourself last night?" of a light. XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "Then the page we have seen--" 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "Yes, the wine-cellar." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and presented which may be striking and bizarre without being has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, have got?" ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. the coroner come to?" and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "Have you it here?" enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." voice, changing her seat as requested. which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we be. Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and other lovers by making love himself." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." and looked back. he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the woman who has had her own way to make in the world. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in what I may call a really hard day's work." "Why did you pick him?" railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the in this way: "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He confronted him. but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed business in the City. She little knew what. "So I heard. You have him here?" analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "Ah!" temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "It missed him, then?" Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship brandy and water within his reach. waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to important." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through prepare for the new role I have to play." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "My own seal." "Entirely." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "Yes." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not companion quietly. "Was the window open?" "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, are windows in it, of course?" I leave." little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple characteristics, but those are the more obvious." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." ordinary clothes on?" what these perils are?" pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by a room. over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "You'll never persuade me to believe that." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "'Then let me do so?' British peeress.'" come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated all?" the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and conclusions. with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and already been minutely examined." frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "I do." little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of weighed down with some great anxiety. A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which closely." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "But you would not advise me to refuse?" housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "'Entirely.' "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "'Entirely.' them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it night.' said he. 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "The murder was done with it." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as