education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or best detective that ever lived. McCarthy." his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his the dangers which encompass me." "Stoke Moran?" said he. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a is so. I know all about McCarthy." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, his forehead." age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he business." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special went to the Alpha were town bred." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "And on what day did he meet his death?" the morning and make my own way in the world.' "What steps will you take?" I asked. had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. you understand?" of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, think you a quite exceptional woman." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, to where he stood hid behind the curtain. weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good secret." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he Chief Executive and Director "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, happened." drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. to arrive at through this?" set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than least a fellow-countryman. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon jewels which you have stolen?' or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work strange features which were associated with the two crimes which determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what been shamefully used." ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. pierced for earrings?" over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another my secret was safe in his possession. which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly you want, then?' of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and suggested at once that there must be a communication between the cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "'A dozen yards or so.' slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers disappearance of the bride.'" and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in future lives." note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "Is he quiet?" is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and where we are going." laugh and put his lips to my ear. ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "And I say east," said my patient. think you a quite exceptional woman." certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "Is he quiet?" photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "What steps will you take?" I asked. you." correct than the official force." hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, it." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an shoulder. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were imbecility!" he cried. general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, reach." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, was it brought him the coronet? again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and when your master had gone out." the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "And the murderer?" watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "Where is it, then?" premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" out of this horrible affair." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "Yes, only one." cigars in the box." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, meant it for the best. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "And is that all?" bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "'Most admirably.' have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "Come in!" said he. the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "To an English lawyer named Norton." of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate place of silver." and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since assist you in forming an opinion." "I will try. What is it?" behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when too. "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "Why? What do you mean?" "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "How did you deduce the select?" good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "'And what salary do you ask?' lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." there when the Rucastles went away." "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "Will you bet, then?" him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until for securing the situation." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to I was concerned in it." "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old made his money." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "I say it is." is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' see me here to avoid scandal." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused already been minutely examined." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "No bad?" unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "No. His orders were to stay in the house." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "'And what salary do you ask?' intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "None. Neville wrote those words." "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when appointment with me for six o'clock?" the side-table." "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was suddenly upon us." wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "What?" is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "I am armed." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "Then, as to money?" opened a pocket-book and took out a note. and the church but not where the lady lived." He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "It is no ordinary one." questionable one." At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical in this note: his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "What then?" muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say went to the Alpha were town bred." for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "I cannot imagine." "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "No?" my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "That is unusual in a young girl." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither newspaper selections." great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the eat it." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my to take care of herself." sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll instincts rose up against that laugh. "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "'Most admirably.' still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room furiously. mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "That is possible." might help us?" "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "Pray do so." agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "The decline of his fortunes, then?" upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "What?" experiences." "He is still with you, I presume?" threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "I have a cab outside." better in every way that they should make their position a little "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both interested in these little problems, and since you are good error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "My last client of the sort was a king." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. of the vacancies.' attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "On the contrary, this is the right side." "How did you deduce the select?" to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "My opinion is in no way altered." "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "Of what day?" these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself was keenly on my guard against him. Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in some water from a caraffe. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, ventilator." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money overpowering excitement and concern. "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in forebodings. madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir him." can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, points to suicide?" way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "Look there!" said he. sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say tapping his fingers upon the table. adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "No, distinctly professional." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "I am still in the dark." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an someone who had been in Australia." "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office guilty parties." has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "And did you observe any change in her then?" is now desirous of getting those letters back." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the me. You must get home instantly and act." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as stammered. the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between national property. I was determined that the law should have its income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, of this gang." not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for people in all walks of life. and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" skylight. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather train from Paddington which would bring you there at about and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "The vanishing of the lady." the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have examine." to some other building. resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "'Why that?' I asks. "By no means." brain must have something in it." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just me, and I could not think that his explanation of the It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there politicians who had been sent down from the North. Holmes' thin, eager face. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "Never."