of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "I cannot imagine." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "How about poison?" served to weaken the effect. that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which call it cruel." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "Here?" and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "'Where to?' "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire of them has the shutters up.' gigantic client. wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of side. third from London." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "I should wish to." family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "Pray let us have it, for all that." "I am to be neutral?" visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "'Is 4 pounds a week.' at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Absolutely?" grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." questioning and rather startled gaze. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "It is very kind of you." seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my bird of prey. pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "That you are never beaten." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a the bottom.' with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive seen the man in the road." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were gone. "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the morning." "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "It goes to the housekeeper's room." people don't know." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. chill to my heart. visitors." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "No, I am descending." "Who by?" breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "But his left-handedness." "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" that threaten you." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." leaning back in his chair. posted to-day." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," within hail.' 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. Cross for the Continent." "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "And the cigar-holder?" maiden herself was most instructive." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "'What then?' I asked. but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull 1.E.9. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled husband's writing, madam." children over to America with him, so that I found myself without out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things may never be exposed to such a temptation." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "'Yes, sir.' in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and closing the door. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't wife's character?" latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case anything to do with the matter?" "Then you may be so with me." "What will you say?" but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his think that he is innocent?" the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of bled considerably." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "In San Francisco, a year ago." British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and three fields round his house, and there he would take his once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about never came back." "Did you become engaged then?" here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. minor matters until to-morrow." do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly if she died from some sudden fright." "The gentleman I describe." your sleep?' which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. Doctor, of the paper and the date." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "In the cells." "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered formed some opinion?" results." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one lids now and glanced across at his visitor. conceal it?" successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "Did you become engaged then?" his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "That is it on the dressing-table." turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "But it has twice been burgled." 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all you." "Was he the only applicant?" find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of I took the paper from him and read as follows: bore every mark of being an average commonplace British this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "Breckinridge is his name." quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the him and tried to hold him back. your billet.' Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether skylight. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "Have you her photograph?" began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "But you can know nothing of this?" way in." back into the street. seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither roused himself from his reverie. "'Why that?' I asks. sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" question you as to those details which seem to me to be most you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle ways including including checks, online payments and credit card with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "I was sure that I might rely on you." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "And Irene Adler?" pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble over part of the map. "What do you read?" lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, them?" enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and of them has the shutters up.' - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea the station." would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it come either from the window or the door. My attention was It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "Entirely." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "I came to find a friend." "'And the work?' "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read photograph a cabinet?" "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I that I can to serve you." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "I say it is." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been gone before you can get him to hospital." States. that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "Just look it up, then." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other Eyford at 11:15.' that there was nothing in it, after all." ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. better grown goose." your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in south, for the country is more deserted there." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned Lee, in the county of Kent." the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and think that any burglar could have done. the matter." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow down. bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "So I have heard." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the lectures into a series of tales." from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "In which, sir?" to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "Where did you address your letters, then?" the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and existence." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend business?" congratulate you again." the coronet at all injured?" "The landlord of the Alpha." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "What?" unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in British peeress.'" Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. compunction about shooting them down." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in them?" my room." said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. which should have the effect of calling the attention of the time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian Street. Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and trifles." "What are they?" were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. clang of the bell. "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." village inn over there?" cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "I say it is." "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" dramatic, in fact." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "But we can't all be." "But you have hopes?" affection." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his beyond words. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "Yes, only one." "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. the roots. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who heavy and sharp instrument." was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. sofa. This way, please!" time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "What?" him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I ago." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or gigantic client. sparkled upon his finger. "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" shall use the carriage to-night." room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell your co-operation." interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "My own seal." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" client, rising. quick march!" "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "'Entirely.' "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation keep the flames under. "What! Had he lost his wife?" the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "But to whom?" "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make and I shall be with you presently." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates