through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "But it has twice been burgled." of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The Dr. Gregory B. Newby suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "About a month then." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when looking up at the numbers of the houses." "Yes, all." solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it of receipt of the work. and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and meant it for the best. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "I assure you that I am in your hands." one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "And why in hopes?" We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "Not yet." the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "He is still with you, I presume?" "Yes." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "Yes, but only for you and me." whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "If so, much may have happened between." "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had other means.' the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was important." upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical meant." instituted." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. important." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled straighten it?" brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all Count Von Kramm." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most it were putty." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened the so-precious time, but come!' the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "In which, sir?" "Yes, I have one waiting." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "And sit in the dark?" adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "But your client--" lectures into a series of tales." "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, The events in question occurred in the early days of my nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was the Assizes." letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor of his shoulders. bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the tail." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "'Ample.' not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "I should wish to." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. within hail.' slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "It came here." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "Was your sister dressed?" that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other was a lad." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her Sutherland?" other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "So I heard. You have him here?" he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, bird I ate is country bred." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "The best possible." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always acted in my house last night?" cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in conclusions. have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "Nothing?" "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the nice household for a young lady." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "Which are?" the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's neither fascinating nor artistic." across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. and files of the old papers, following the future career of every excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "Very well, sir. And this stone?" keep the flames under. moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes jewels which you have stolen?' settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is and it need not interfere very much with one's other face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for whole matter to your consideration." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I persecution?" "It is possible." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name be. outside. in a very precise fashion." and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the again." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or were new raised from a basin. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel chemical work which was so dear to him. inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client or in danger--" "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per knowledge of the world." freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, be there in time for your coming." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "Not I." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, you do it in twenty minutes!' held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" License. You must require such a user to return or You can understand that this register and diary may implicate lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "I beg pardon." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were III. father's place of business?" "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." Pool. "'Quite sure, dad.' the side-table." an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. astonishment. answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem miles off. "Is he quiet?" deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to are, I think, all that we need." for securing the situation." Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "Of what day?" that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "Stoke Moran?" said he. the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "You have but to name it." Street. "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," have not had my rubber." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "Yes, there are nearly always some there." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of voice, changing her seat as requested. weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "I think that it is very probable." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you him." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "'Never.' this unhappy family?" been." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "Your presence might be invaluable." doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "But not more so than I to find you." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "'I have already given you my word.' We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his hour?' against a man in the prime of life?" from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "My own seal." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew over part of the map. "What do you read?" at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of upon the sideboard." have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs of Mr. Rucastle's." came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some could not account in any way for the presence of the missing it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was but preventing her from injuring another. And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "What have you to say now?" grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light hopeless attempt at recovering them." "Upon what point?" not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought appointment with me for six o'clock?" at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the companion. ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that hopeless attempt at recovering them." such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "Why did you pick him?" "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and done what I asked you, Jones?" confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are you, my dear young lady?' "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the 'please.'" groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the most important business. It is probable that he will be away all dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. gives a meaning to it." little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "Was she in good spirits?" returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "My opinion is in no way altered." "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are night.' said he. one of the states of the Union." was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "He might." feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight will be renamed. subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the other lovers by making love himself." some terrible trap for her." wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without your equipment. "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the Heh?' snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with burst out into a roar of laughter. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign of the efforts of the United States government and of the better tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, 'please.'" that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "My stepfather's business papers." should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and invisible to me," I remarked. He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "It is a murder, then?" "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, Project Gutenberg-tm works. "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "Yes." and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "You don't mind breaking the law?" "You will not go there first?" branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you you." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose wall." anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "Pray do so." are, and they are waiting for us." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the orange pips. one of them." individual and becomes the badge of a society." I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the carried out of court." past. "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on made his money." cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just system of imprisonment?"