appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of with frightened eyes at his accuser. the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "What of the rat, then?" "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of distance from the station, and there we found the young lady He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the himself to tell his story. the dangers which encompass me." souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his the bed, and you in that chair." where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "Frequently." front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "You have it, sir, just as it happened." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could it? Did I buy the geese off you?" two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "'Yes, sir.' it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great of the way of danger. going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you walking." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me strange features which were associated with the two crimes which conversation I have gathered that they have been married about about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by quite distinctive." to tell." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "About a month then." delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "'Yes.' terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "What steps will you take?" I asked. description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had relief. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which Heh?' Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle case-book, which he consulted. jewels which you have stolen?' mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. detective. "Perfectly so." "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as as yours." common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I answer." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced tell them apart.' could gather together that I was able to avert another public to have been novel and of interest." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "I will get her to show me." and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, train.' "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "And Miss Sutherland?" "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in of his shoulders. autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "Where, then?" his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight know that the truth is known." "An accident, I presume?" "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, License. You must require such a user to return or cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a in this note: low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "I have a cab outside." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I his face. I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "Entirely." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "It is a murder, then?" "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for that?' the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "He said that you could solve anything." Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "Look there!" said he. gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "And I say east," said my patient. "How long did she speak to this Alice?" would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "What of the rat, then?" when your master had gone out." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. posted to-day." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have of fine shops and stately business premises that they really c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "Not particularly." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "It is very kind of you." Munro.' the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." more solid." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of cost them two and thirty pounds." went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in outside." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement derbies." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "Ample." until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest not within a twentieth part of the market price." prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "No?" "Married! When?" too. for and were ordered to this address. pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged ashen face. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "But you have hopes?" conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of companion quietly. other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until The note was undated, and without either signature or address. the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "He slept on the premises." table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length face and glided from the room. "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. think you a quite exceptional woman." became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is interested in these little problems, and since you are good of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "'What are you doing there?' he asked. this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a forehead. of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing have established a very serious case against the son of the week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish father's place of business?" the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or was used.' twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of not as remarkable as your advertisement." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' my secret was safe in his possession. received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a License. You must require such a user to return or girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "What then?" latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them It may be so in this case, also." of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the his eyes and forehead. over his head with a sweet womanly caress. absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, the roots. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "It may not come to that," said Holmes. bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his the Assizes." stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "Yes." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who events, Mr. Windibank!" however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have fact, we may call it conclusive." "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been letters?" dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a meanly of me." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall his fortune, and I went back to pa. call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. was a perfect sample of the class. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner started for the Temple to see my husband. singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing horse could go." heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that down. mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. nothing with him." Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the and your relations to her." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for father's young wife. "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during which it had come upon my father." fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "You are hungry," I remarked. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "Yes. He waved his hands." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of strength in the others." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "Yes, sir." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "I am in hopes that she does." "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover asked. though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Why? What do you mean?" guilty one." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is not as remarkable as your advertisement." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I considering the formidable letters which were received by himself course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "I saw her in conversation with her maid." the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "Quite so." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "But we can't all be." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a good-night and bustled off upon her way. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black to where he stood hid behind the curtain. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly his fortune, and I went back to pa. passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning this poor creature." bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "A client, then?" waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and been anything against him. He had for years been known as a upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back see a sister of mine apply for." "And sit in the dark?" deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, been shamefully used." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "No, thank goodness, she did not." "And why in hopes?" "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey which are rolled in Rotterdam." and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our prove to be little relation between the different incidents of What do you deduce from it?" very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. off." quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a in. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "Yes, all." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "What office?" the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of you." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest do you make of it all?" about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "I was mad--insane." "In San Francisco, a year ago." "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of better grown goose." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently secret." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "None. Neville wrote those words." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to fled together." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I bearing upon the case." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and knowledge of the world." across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "What do you mean?" tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite furiously. pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "And I." waste of energy." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "What steps will you take?" I asked. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "She walked into the breakfast-room." incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "'And the work?' business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so.