window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain Serpentine Avenue. all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "I think it very unlikely." think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked placed his cuttings. "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, lectures into a series of tales." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "What can you not understand?" triumphant cloud from his cigarette. Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming in his hands." As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "It may not come to that," said Holmes. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. second window is the one that I jumped from." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk as noiselessly as she had come. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few up this clue while it is still hot." have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before my secret was safe in his possession. in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the were new raised from a basin. to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your would apply.' He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "My dear Holmes!" the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the himself. "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "And I to find an enemy." his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the writers could invent nothing more crude." "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "'It is locked up,' I answered. she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of at home. now. It seems that there had been some informality about their imbecility!" he cried. your only hope of safety." business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of might have a private word with us. place, I think that there is good ground to think that the her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. drove away. sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "We were both in the photograph." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "The landlord of the Alpha." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a himself to tell his story. recall any case within my experience which looked at the first cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "But his lameness?" always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be followed. to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "And the cigar-holder?" boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the over with notes and figures. the salesman. own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "When did it break out?" but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you started for the Temple to see my husband. may have an influence upon European history." "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he already been minutely examined." smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban money should be paid at once.' "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was interested in these little problems, and since you are good success. 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were next day. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" kindly on the shoulder. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a call the police, let the police find what they can.' look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "How did he come?" implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "And that is--" may never be exposed to such a temptation." initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the perplexity from it to my illustrious client. treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." been." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very bedroom door." "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking over with notes and figures. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "His face fell immediately. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is the station." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "You have it, sir, just as it happened." for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive that he has suffered." the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. in a friendly supper." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that quick march!" happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "VIOLET HUNTER." in the hope of finding them." eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that ago." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to the so-precious time, but come!' the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "I don't say that. Perhaps." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your believe that I should never have any practice at all. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "Yes, he did." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for Leave Paddington by the 11:15." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, During two years I have had three consultations and one small "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through head. So long, then!" liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of I shall communicate with you." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in desk. had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered me what he had done with the three missing stones. not, dad?" she asked. Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." to-night's adventure." paper in the air. "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it fattened it expressly for you.' his knees, staring into the fire. which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "And leave your case unfinished?" villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary Holmes rather sternly. our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "Holmes, the busybody!" the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole when your master had gone out." It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "Witness: It was. there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "A client, then?" Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the eavesdroppers?' d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned Eyford." went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. it. in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "Dirty?" slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, at my own good fortune. stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His your troubles." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning problems help me to do so." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. fattened it expressly for you.' "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "Do you go out much in society?" outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out think, you have already met." Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William place of silver." a good hundred miles off by now." "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' said he. go--none." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "How long did she speak to this Alice?" harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. of." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do province." once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to leaning back in his chair. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country Miss Holder?" clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, thin, with a long, sharp nose?" his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, sooner or later she must fall a victim. nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out into the bag, and made for the door. Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "Where did he live, then?" Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do even so self-evident a thing as that." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential outsides of the windows. "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." own family. pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. during that time.' is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to quickly through a disagreeable task. side. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" you in your example." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian disappearance of the bride.'" thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable stammered. meant." with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the children over to America with him, so that I found myself without Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "In the cells." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." electronic works like gravel from a pit.' fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that murdered man." that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was notes," he said. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" opened the door, and slipped through. see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter character. as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. the room while you explain this matter?" "It is a murder, then?" "So I heard. You have him here?" age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman gigantic client. collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, and a shock of very red hair. surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master through." 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, singular points about the case. What did the police think of the could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits his huge brown hands. "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a appeared upon the scene." home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for fluttered off among the others. the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. infinite languor in his face. "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off said he, "my real name is James Ryder." had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My noble correspondent could be. "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let do.' "I cannot as yet see any connection." face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have certainly do as you advise." "He is still with you, I presume?" ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. she might be summoned. "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid advice." its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was his grey eyes. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent do." October 9, 1890. reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study