brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the what is your own theory as to what took place?" had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in this man was intellectual?" called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for depend upon your compliance." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official been able to understand it, in a very few words. "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "Not him." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a of the way of danger. increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the weapon." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or gbnewby@pglaf.org introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you carriage. It was a chestnut." some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, father's young wife. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard tear off another piece?' habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "Only as much as we can deduce." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall nights." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "Stolen." "You forget that I know nothing about it." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own him. was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "Your presence might be invaluable." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to of the efforts of the United States government and of the better Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "'Stolen!' he cried. client, rising. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but death." grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "Not I." "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. at home. people don't know." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open chemical work which was so dear to him. "Ample." little trying to do so much typewriting?" pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." compunction about shooting them down." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will because she had spent so short a time in this country that she Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face that I may have something better before very many minutes are so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "Was he the only applicant?" somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by I am not easy in my mind about them." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, It was close upon four before the door opened, and a Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "I cannot tell." was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "'Never.' yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "I was afraid that you were engaged." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies leaning back in his chair. from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. and the church but not where the lady lived." the salesman. strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "In which, sir?" "In heaven's name, what for?" be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET beg that you will break it off." conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is were new raised from a basin. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his residence of the great financier. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "Then, as to money?" "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by one or two very singular points about this room. For example, the south-west, I see." Surrey." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "Yes." "You horrify me!" "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "Then you may be so with me." "But his left-handedness." "Texas, I think." I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed to Leatherhead. that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "No, I am descending." thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "Was he the only applicant?" the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would which was all perfectly true. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "But I am all in the dark." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "Proceed, then." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he Street. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "It is possible." "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "Proceed, then." is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other manager. decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "But your client--" "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with you." "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' not as remarkable as your advertisement." residence of the great financier. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "What?" down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick companion. after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "I say it is." fat-encircled eyes. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." official police." "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than village inn over there?" of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but I think that I could be of assistance to you." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "We must have a cab." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "What, then?" and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see easy-going way." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day to have been novel and of interest." "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of Munro.' again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong are, I think, all that we need." remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "How many? I don't know." colour had been driven from his face. ran thus: "You have it, sir, just as it happened." was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey tell me that you intended to go into harness." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "That is it on the dressing-table." few hundred pounds.' exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" the window, rose as we entered. an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "Ah!" guilty one." It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever heavy and sharp instrument." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the had died away into the silence from which it rose. in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad pierced for earrings?" absorbing." Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell meanly of me." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "That is unusual in a young girl." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had unkempt, staring out at me. the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival have had none more fantastic than this." and laid it on the table. telegram would bring me down to your help." may never be exposed to such a temptation." twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed appeared upon the scene." is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. carriage. It was a chestnut." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "Of Friday, June 19th." Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "It came here." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure galvanised. manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time already been minutely examined." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "What! You do not mean bodies?" of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the you?" so far?" when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, which our visitor detailed to us. "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was was a lad." had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "By no means." than was visible to me." "'I am sure if I had known--' as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. of the efforts of the United States government and of the better coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in Leadenhall Street--and--" and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "Who was the criminal, then?" consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "No bad?" the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "What of the rat, then?" brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, wedding?" "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to outsides of the windows. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a it." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his future lives." said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who four million human beings all jostling each other within the leaning back in his chair. admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect go back?" "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, as he remarks, very much against the son." "I think that it is very probable." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "Why? What do you mean?" in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, whatever might befall. "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "No." the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "Never to return." "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he