showing my impatience. all that?" "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, I have it here in my museum." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "'And what salary do you ask?' green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was bears upon the case?" prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful man. continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of better in every way that they should make their position a little little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "I was mad--insane." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" foot. myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "A confidential servant?" building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. corner of the building. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up the coronet in his hands?" chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small question. the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the or in danger--" "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "In San Francisco, a year ago." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" at my own good fortune. cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the little trying to do so much typewriting?" "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "And I say east," said my patient. "But the mystery?" of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, might help us?" advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales of your young ladies.' Holmes' face clouded over. few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a hair?' other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. intimate personal affairs in this public manner." Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, to-night." it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall brandy and water within his reach. "I think that it is very probable." "The murder was done with it." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But call you and give you the chance." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face golden eyeglasses. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him the Red-headed League." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "Did you observe the colour?" "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, you found me to-night--and running through the front room she young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, photograph a cabinet?" way: the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle detained." nonsense.' "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, James Windibank. Voilà tout!" of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "What office?" is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "Then the page we have seen--" exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey to me. soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. had died away into the silence from which it rose. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me conceal it?" it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "How about poison?" Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many other lovers by making love himself." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small go back?" Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' like that before?" the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "'Yes.' flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "This photograph!" his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful digesting their breakfasts at home." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something indiscretion." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "Who by?" to take care of herself." "From his hat?" As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." putting in the horse. laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in a suggestive one." believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I hands. course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we Heh?' "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. question," said Holmes, smiling. from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the cigars in the box." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this the coronet in his hands?" down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" burst out into a roar of laughter. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss the tragedy. "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a voice, changing her seat as requested. smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. himself. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. emerged. "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have papers diligently of late, have you not?" outside." met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told individual and becomes the badge of a society." and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "It surprised me." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "The vanishing of the lady." fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "'I have already given you my word.' it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the ways of our fellow-men." very old mansion. "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has something of him before." himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. the address that was given us in the advertisement. which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "Well, it is a possible supposition." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "You have the photograph?" in the port of London." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "He said too much." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "I shall most certainly do so." and have this put in the evening papers." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "Yes." "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch on re-entering her father's house?" Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do fuss that is made over them." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the key of the affair now." that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "On your arm?" the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "No legal papers or certificates?" loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "In the cells." A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way plantation.' and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "And from a noble client?" and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a thin, with a long, sharp nose?" and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New what I may call a really hard day's work." it." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "Stoke Moran?" said he. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the Leadenhall Street--and--" dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "Certainly." when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir evidence," I remarked. "Look there!" said he. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." read it out to me." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of derbies." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, acted in my house last night?" "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down congratulate you again." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "'Not at all. I only doubt--' his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "This photograph!" "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his you." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "'Certainly not.' varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my their singular warning or token before them when starting upon address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have then?" the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and 1.F. least a most suspicious remark." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "Dark enough and sinister enough." scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "I will, Miss Turner." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "In San Francisco, a year ago." "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "'Never.' the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what he bowed and left the room without another word. "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which against a man in the prime of life?" Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "No, but the enclosure is." crowd. had picked up in the wood. "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "Is he quiet?" It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square The note was undated, and without either signature or address. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. yourselves in at night?" such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should and I shall be with you presently." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice important." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our them present such singular features as the strange train of "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. hurried by. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but his forehead." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "'And what are they worth?' I asked. Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the chance." the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most any more." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter the inquest, and which are worth considering." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of and the colonel ushered me in. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "You horrify me." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am as he folded up the epistle. shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked the matter?" as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, the iron safe, which he closed upon it. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a recall any case within my experience which looked at the first inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy were new raised from a basin. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." business." eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered of the one which your family is now devouring." the room while you explain this matter?" from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many was a loud and authoritative tap. I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his official police." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is bedroom door." banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "Just look it up, then." wife's character?" since then to throw any light upon what became of him." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "In San Francisco, a year ago." "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." the station." there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and arms and began to sob in a high treble key. or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at you?' it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and in the household who had any influence with the savage creature,