"But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "On your arm?" Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "That is easily got." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "But you were on a friendly footing?" back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide asked. "One of his hands." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "Well?" "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when of the vacancies.' This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a place of silver." "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of straightened it out again. was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had less than 26s. 4d. James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into generous with you in money matters.' served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the about here speaks of his kindness to him." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, back into the street. key of the affair now." "It was." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "I shall be delighted." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before success. his cane at the bell-pull. she used." connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." fasten all the windows?" "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be Where does the thing come from?' "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your clang of the bell. wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when at home. pictures, libraries, or plate. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. taking in every detail of the apartment. stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, asked with his eyes open. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, laugh and put his lips to my ear. Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, Have you good authority for what you say?" refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." was lame." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," opened a pocket-book and took out a note. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "That's no good." 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But system of imprisonment?" "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter it right.' looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and The telegram which we eventually received came late one night mystery may be cleared along those lines." terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The status with the IRS. look upon these things in a different way." you in yours." handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate ceremony." "And how did you find out?" collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down questioning and rather startled gaze. it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. For additional contact information: after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. him." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is compunction about shooting them down." was it brought him the coronet? the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "Yes, the wine-cellar." Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' golden eyeglasses. "And why in hopes?" like gravel from a pit.' And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I During two years I have had three consultations and one small mysterious business." child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at tail." prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "That is easily got." "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." meant." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "Ha! you find it so?" "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, once more to my work. to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was The note was undated, and without either signature or address. came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you other means.' "But his left-handedness." lamp. case-book, which he consulted. the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous Arthur Conan Doyle the address that was given us in the advertisement. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some astonishment. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "That is possible." possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of your only hope of safety." "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated to have been novel and of interest." "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "Yes." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "Game for a morning drive?" Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to yards of it?' "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. that?' secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I forecastle of an emigrant ship. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "Do you know him?" his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." direction." clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "Oh, fresh and glossy." Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable see a sister of mine apply for." Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the McCarthy's innocence. brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "Why? What do you mean?" wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I weary and pale-looking. luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." started for the Temple to see my husband. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that for securing the situation." would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were Arthur Conan Doyle methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "Pray do so." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "Certainly." was already answered. not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms crime." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a the devil!" against a man in the prime of life?" entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a Countess of Morcar's?" vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling to that open window." for the market.' tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely placed his cuttings. thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and way in." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham eavesdroppers?' "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "And you can do nothing until then?" was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, have accepted such a situation. "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had the one as in the other." The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "'And what salary do you ask?' had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly answer." assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "You will not go there first?" should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "'A dozen yards or so.' baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he way in everything. very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "What have you done?" asked Holmes. and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "No, thank goodness, she did not." habit of advancing money.' need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "In San Francisco, a year ago." sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "Certainly." "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." Holmes' room. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. nights." "And sit in the dark?" it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "It missed him, then?" "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very the stones. trifles." For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "Precisely." burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I than to us. her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to bachelor.' reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly congenial hunt. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a indeed happy." is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these occurred." anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped figure." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "'Not at all. I only doubt--' opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then to a more successful conclusion." was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the system of imprisonment?" responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "That is easily got." exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and six. Come in!" wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other round with crates and massive boxes. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man other means.' Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their which it had come upon my father." "It goes to the housekeeper's room." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of success. "What have you done?" asked Holmes. newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. open." "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Yes, they were peculiar boots." might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "Precisely." "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "Yes, at the mines." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set