having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "No, thank goodness, she did not." unclasping of his long thin hands. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then bare slabs of marble. time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "And why?" window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity of." that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up imbecility!" he cried. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, salesman. notes," he said. imbecility!" he cried. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. you give your casting vote to?" afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I Holmes. took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" sake, don't!" in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "Precisely." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "At the wedding breakfast." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "How do you know, then?" the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, cigars in their mouths. a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting it." the roots. bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "And I." The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "Eh? What was that?" "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "We were both in the photograph." gone. "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. money should be paid at once.' "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "Yes, sir." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw joking. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting certainly not very gracious." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "No good news?" should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "And how did you find out?" chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to one of them." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "Oh, yes, easily." "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, occurred." "He said that you could solve anything." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "'I am sure that I do not know.' which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "Not in a good cause." clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set and I shall be with you presently." fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "And you don't know his address?" all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, if only as a check to my own memory." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and 11:15.' the stable lane now." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague down from London to inquire more deeply into it." analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: you." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "I am still in the dark." "What! Had he lost his wife?" human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "At what time?" individual and becomes the badge of a society." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man crowd. formed some opinion?" "Yes." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "I cannot tell." step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "To ruin me." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "And you can do nothing until then?" reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' plantation.' upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, cigars in their mouths. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is in this note: when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you way: the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. father's young wife. I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on was a loud and authoritative tap. and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "And the murderer?" whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is during that time.' "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will very morning of my second wedding." A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "That also I could fathom." leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' Farm upon the left." analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his ago." the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "Pray let us have it, for all that." "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "No, I think that I'll take it." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly ourselves in the office." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. children over to America with him, so that I found myself without Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "No. What a strange idea!" not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock excitement. over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "It was a confession," I ejaculated. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each face and glided from the room. strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have frequently gained my first real insight into the character of bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the to some other building. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as more solid." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to forebodings. As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "BALLARAT." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the instituted." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "The landlord of the Alpha." relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a my former friend and companion. hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King spark where all is dark to me." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "It is his hat." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow know that the truth is known." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that bore every mark of being an average commonplace British harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and rat could hardly pass through." you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "You have the photograph?" "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my papers." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat Count Von Kramm." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your man. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that tapping his fingers upon the table. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "I am about to be married." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "Yes, sir." As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door do.' "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be empty. is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "By no means." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a drove away. to Leatherhead. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was Does that suggest anything?" contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. the coroner come to?" "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "Well, it is a possible supposition." waste of energy." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "The King of Scandinavia." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "The Coroner: What do you mean? states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in as he folded up the epistle. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "Pray be precise as to details," said he. form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened appointment with me for six o'clock?" these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' me. You must get home instantly and act." "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and October 9, 1890. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "And sit in the dark?" who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "'Yes, I promise.' gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the occurred." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the better in every way that they should make their position a little young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic if only as a check to my own memory." the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "At half-wages, in fact." memory. "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a matters immensely." with her." determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's whole matter to your consideration." Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my girl said." "I am following you closely," I answered. stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved.