words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "Stolen, then." straightened it out again. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion even so self-evident a thing as that." to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. be best to do. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "And help." He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a have I gained?" in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found Clair, of Lee." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as to some other building. might help us?" be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for spare." shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "So I am. Very much so." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, think that any burglar could have done. Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "I have hopes." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "You have the photograph?" had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "Perfectly so." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "One horse?" interjected Holmes. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor seven miles from Eyford Station.' a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in infinite languor in his face. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a strode off upon his way. to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "Upon what point?" "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "'Why that?' I asks. you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit me, and I could not think that his explanation of the confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a your co-operation." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. me." believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the the inner apartment." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" there when the Rucastles went away." temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and happened." therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I not personally threatened." There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of swore that no one else had been in the front room during the of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "I have seen the police." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "Always." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots figure." the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of already been minutely examined." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from spare." "Nothing." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, little trying to do so much typewriting?" a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here affection." while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She tear off another piece?' human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself she has been waylaid. There has been no result." dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish have one." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' cigars in the box." Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just to have that photograph." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "And now?" I asked. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There girl said." of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, indeed which he could not unravel. with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "She showed me, as I told you she would." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as all?" had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the the inquest, and which are worth considering." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward you." back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture morning." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not leave you to your papers for a little." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to means taking possession of that which another person has a prior Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." read it out to me." to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight his wife has ceased to love him." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a see me here to avoid scandal." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "And now?" I asked. exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had upon an income of about 60 pounds." entirely lost his self-respect." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "Murdered?" See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside comes from the middle window." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "In the cells." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable the child." scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is me, and I could not think that his explanation of the more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this look upon these things in a different way." "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was seen the man in the road." "And why in hopes?" Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she hurried away. the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "But you have hopes?" workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little yourselves in at night?" "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of unkempt, staring out at me. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the heavy and sharp instrument." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes over here." cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have returning from some small jollification and was making his way right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "Yes." me where it went to?" to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "It missed him, then?" "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "How often?" it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of This is what he says: "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of his eyes and forehead. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's married her." He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." been." "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a reach." will take you up to see the machine.' Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "'How far from the body?' wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "It was an hour's good drive." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, sooner or later she must fall a victim. me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "The Coroner: What do you mean? would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "I am about to be married." I leave." excitement. Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband Edgeware Road. think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "Then the page we have seen--" aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "Imitated." window when the police appeared." "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. light and attacked it." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an sooner or later she must fall a victim. to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "And from a noble client?" customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you have I gained?" 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just your room." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is straighten it?" ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "He disappeared so suddenly." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in Pope's Court, Fleet Street." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the the matter." "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally few hundred pounds.' Again Holmes raved in the air. than to us. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the It was close upon four before the door opened, and a bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I what I may call a really hard day's work." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "In answer to an advertisement." of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "You horrify me." Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his use an arc-and-compass breastpin." upon the shelf for the interim." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "Well?" massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed the house with me." continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "'Which dealer's?' "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is the one as in the other." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "But what harm can there be in that?" she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached eavesdroppers?' clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he said he. a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had sufficient punishment." permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "He said too much." her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "'What do you call purely nominal?' The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and the armchair which I pushed forward for him. observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of Stoke Moran." handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "I cannot tell." have had none more fantastic than this." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, to arrive at through this?" address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. you." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a electronic works "And how in the world did you find them?" face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and sooner or later she must fall a victim. well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had absorbing." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the him nearly every evening." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "I see no marks." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "Seven!" I answered. "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able you." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be photograph?" faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how despaired of." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug throat." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "What have you to say now?" hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended you for a few hours?" Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend an introduction to him?" The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe arrangements." "'Certainly not. But why?' but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, guilty one." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any hopeless attempt at recovering them."