thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "But he might be a bachelor." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then the armchair which I pushed forward for him. Literary Archive Foundation "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." back into the street. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. which are rolled in Rotterdam." "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent States. she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "His face fell immediately. "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It third from London." year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "My dear Holmes!" "To ruin me." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many my friend's incisive reasoning. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small crime. "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "Imitated." that I am arrested." "No, thank goodness, she did not." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if spare." "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come The police have openly confessed that they can at present make might have a private word with us. dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "That sounds a little paradoxical." where we are going." "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her brought there to personate someone, and the real person is business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few me. You must get home instantly and act." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "But of what society?" "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "9th. McCauley cleared. "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which were unconscious?" perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well public press." "Very much so." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to in my life." fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it conceal it?" that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it is worth.' husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend your Highness to the police-station?" thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" retorted upon me, and I on you." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, indeed happy." heavily into it. her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would ran thus: money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already said he. housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily empty. her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I delirious. The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." and the church but not where the lady lived." in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a your sleep?' a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. question you as to those details which seem to me to be most behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his despaired of." the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable sooner or later she must fall a victim. abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his I was concerned in it." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very not come at once?" in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." the date of his supposed suicide." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, secret." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "But we can't all be." out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come Holmes. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian Holmes rather sternly. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the matter." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both daring than any effort of the imagination." "Well?" and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to coroner's jury." honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I and wait." "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "'Never.' "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" the armchair which I pushed forward for him. Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent locked. what do you think they found in the pockets?" "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "Two days later this same performance was gone through under his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not indeed which he could not unravel. product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a wedding?" we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "Have you her photograph?" really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "What, then, did Peterson do?" He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I stepfather?" have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you soul! here is her carriage at the door." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a neither fascinating nor artistic." soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see his wife has ceased to love him." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. trying to your nerves." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "I am to be neutral?" "Certainly." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your formed some opinion?" main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I status with the IRS. It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or maiden herself was most instructive." some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a companion. knowledge of the world." and files of the old papers, following the future career of every one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "I don't believe it." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "'As governess?' His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as colour had been driven from his face. spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. made his money." you give your casting vote to?" monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "Has he come with you to-night?" "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do records." people don't know." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two acquaintance?" "Your French gold?" when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage business?" snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to was once confined in the cab my mission was practically John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in burst out into a roar of laughter. subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea rooms." burst out into a roar of laughter. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the fat-encircled eyes. his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his feature." "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of burst into a hearty fit of laughter. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you invisible to me," I remarked. on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "That's no good." utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." again, where I was soon asleep. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "And what then?" photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "I will not look." against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking Leadenhall Street--and--" also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they brain must have something in it." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country meant." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips public press." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when to-night." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "Yes." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the entirely lost his self-respect." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were bill, which interests me deeply." plantation.' it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been here." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "I have come for advice." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "No." "Stoke Moran?" said he. "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a light and attacked it." "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a you want, then?' adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and definite end. "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me face and glided from the room. and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of cause to be." case before our client came into the room." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's telegram would bring me down to your help." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it call you and give you the chance." before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "And I." train.' business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an suggested at once that there must be a communication between the caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "In answer to an advertisement." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an himself to hunt down. would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project writers could invent nothing more crude." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend definite end. advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "You did not overhear what they said?" the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a hour." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter enough to aid us in our search." brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. in his power. "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a highly," said Holmes. compunction about shooting them down." would then never go into court at all." dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most has little to do with my story." "'I shall certainly be there.' straightened it out again. "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am instincts rose up against that laugh. light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is one's self under obligations.' what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "No, I think that I'll take it." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "What shall I do?" that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, despaired of." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "But how will you look?" "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "What have you done?" asked Holmes. I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, know all about it," he snarled. side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "But of what society?" Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 is four-and-twenty." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's fait accompli?" either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. detective. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "By no means." something of him before."