preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "And Miss Sutherland?" if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "No." contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just waste of energy." on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the 'please.'" comes from the middle window." Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know go--none." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "'Which dealer's?' where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, passage and a tap at the door. quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the the very morning of the wedding." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "And that is--" my little problems." "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, you give your casting vote to?" it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and coroner's jury." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused felt?" over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "This photograph!" answer." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are not come at once?" be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "Yes." intrusion of other matters." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by DISSOLVED. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade this man was intellectual?" and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small prove to be little relation between the different incidents of the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of are, and they are waiting for us." research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is important." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more such attractions and accomplishments?' cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "You did not overhear what they said?" "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety over part of the map. "What do you read?" "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you begun to whiten, even as mine has." she might be summoned. observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "On Monday." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed the running down." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" I have it here in my museum." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "My opinion is in no way altered." "But I have heard all that you have heard." "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could forbidden door. his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining some city in a dream. others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read new duties?' husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "No, thank goodness, she did not." "No, my brougham is waiting." ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the mystery!" her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would you." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it your own bird, so if you wish--" caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, his face which made him a very different person to the round, "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural Pool. believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark people don't know." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." said I. "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "Is he quiet?" colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what helping a boy to put up the shutters. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that swore that no one else had been in the front room during the helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "The Cedars?" wall." whole matter to your consideration." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me place no limit on the sum I may draw." "But of what society?" I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad the south-west, I see." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee remarked. serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "And when will you call?" "Won't it ring?" a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as read over the extraordinary announcement. stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in politicians who had been sent down from the North. to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who hands. data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now hour." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," awaited us upon the table. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that of a light. saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "No, thank goodness, she did not." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their writers could invent nothing more crude." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which Countess of Morcar's?" said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. been lifted and conveyed somewhere." suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside man. among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the distinguish the words: here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "I am following you closely," I answered. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out daring than any effort of the imagination." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "I came to find a friend." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "You think so, too?" "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "Come in!" said he. professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "Well?" one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "By no means." week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "None." appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "And that is--" disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "Your French gold?" all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting leave you to your papers for a little." "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were been deceived." "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "How did you trace it, then?" of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "But to whom?" "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is your room." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, people don't know." correct than the official force." as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or over here." "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. nights." uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the bachelor.' three fields round his house, and there he would take his and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the quick march!" "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a very morning of my second wedding." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," bedroom door." We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended at home. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "So it appears." might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" sneer upon his pale face. servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said tassel actually lying upon the pillow. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right them?" could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "How did you deduce the select?" since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the again." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are shaken than I had ever seen him. greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had My friend smiled. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford walking." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me sound at heart." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "It is a murder, then?" "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. true." metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and London for the present?" Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "I promise," said Holmes. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into client, rising. very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "The King of Scandinavia." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "10th. John Swain cleared. as the one I chose?' professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "Then the page we have seen--" is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in more terrible than the truth. records." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand once more. "'Why that?' I asks. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I to-night's adventure." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "It is possible." tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the with you?" backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view since then to throw any light upon what became of him." as he folded up the epistle. though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to annoyance, but no jest. down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at quickly through a disagreeable task. Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece wedding?" He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "He slept on the premises." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. said I. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more was shining brightly. was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "What shall I do?" "Nothing." rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook hand, madam?" Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are what I may call a really hard day's work." "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "A confidential servant?" Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business the iron safe, which he closed upon it. very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain that you saw all that I did." during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "Yes, it would be as well." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the