goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "Proceed, then." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, interested in these little problems, and since you are good was it brought him the coronet? Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with plantation.' tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon Holmes' thin, eager face. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "I say it is." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very himself. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. it." heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was skylight. Farm upon the left." knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in breakfast and whispered something to her husband. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "You heard nothing yourself last night?" with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as floor. to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "This photograph!" introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room goes." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in clanging. leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical is entirely a question of barometric pressure." indeed happy." you?" was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, with some details as to your case." wedding?" never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "Not in a good cause." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my what do you think they found in the pockets?" Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "Ah!" "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "The gentleman I describe." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came would then never go into court at all." violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first your co-operation." "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. experiences." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went 1.F. to take care of herself." should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. enter into my head. "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "And your mother is alive?" "None. Neville wrote those words." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at had died away into the silence from which it rose. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "I have a cab outside." located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a of the one which your family is now devouring." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly to tackle the facts." on in his house." I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of that I can to serve you." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "And leave your case unfinished?" house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we it." invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "But she could not love him." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. bill, which interests me deeply." of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, forbidden door. could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in to a more successful conclusion." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel relief. parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "Never." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco tell him that I know him to be innocent." that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "Pray let us have it, for all that." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" dear old homesteads?" the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," the morning and make my own way in the world.' Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. room?" populous neighbourhood." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "Nothing?" "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "I would give my fortune to have them back." distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That business." reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the business." found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "By no means." should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled depend upon my doing so.' the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "I say that I have solved it." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great the matter?" any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless in this way: hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." breakfast." can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in may have an influence upon European history." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I ordinary clothes on?" was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. as this. Pray let me have the details." do.' look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "Because he was handy and would come cheap." The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. ceremony." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "'How far from the body?' views." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over walking." were unconscious?" "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were seven miles from Eyford Station.' Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "And I." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I 'I should be able to look after that for you.' the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite the coronet in his hands?" "Certainly." Holmes' room. 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "'Ten to two.' "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "I cannot say that I have." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been is now desirous of getting those letters back." humiliation." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "And now?" I asked. Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some my room." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that kindly on the shoulder. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in Munro.' round and wave him away like that.' "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "Not particularly." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. learned something! Where are the gems?" he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our one of the states of the Union." in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a if I call to-morrow?" collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "She showed me, as I told you she would." for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "'Yes, sir.' the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable up this clue while it is still hot." before the coroner and the police-court." "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send writing, and yet I know it well." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without Surrey." acted in my house last night?" thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what chair. "Will you go?" of the one which your family is now devouring." events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little take the flies, but not before." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. III. "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the infinite languor in his face. in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. a very grave face. "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "'Why that?' I asks. Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it assist you in forming an opinion." prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "Who by?" and no precautions can guard against." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his to talk it over. these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." should be so warm over such a trifle." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be them?" back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he kind enough to tell me what I should do." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the touch that coronet?' When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. 1.E.9. "Nothing." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "And your father? Did you tell him?" "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the Farm upon the left." of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen stepfather?" have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "'I am sure that I do not know.' thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his made him keep the appointment." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "Yes." that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as he died? the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for crime. "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord dates and names. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his colonel looking down at me. "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." three fields round his house, and there he would take his and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such down from London to inquire more deeply into it." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, fire. You quite follow me?" years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "And I say east," said my patient. "'Stolen!' he cried. this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be writers could invent nothing more crude." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "What I expected to see." I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "But she could not love him." "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "And the murderer?" take the flies, but not before." "'Never,' said I. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but respectable self." figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey stammered. which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "How can you tell that?" his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make