month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." married her." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. their singular warning or token before them when starting upon analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, to-night's adventure." impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "At what time?" was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he tapping his fingers upon the table. "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. best detective that ever lived. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a lost nothing by them." "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "Well." black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or brandy and water within his reach. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "Well?" each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock very old mansion. applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "No, I think that I'll take it." other means.' "But what is it you wish?" My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to Literary Archive Foundation to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double light and attacked it." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "None." doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. me what he had done with the three missing stones. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards such person." "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or looking up at the numbers of the houses." discontent upon his features. It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped depend upon my doing so.' "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "The doctor?" wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly here and I will read it to you: the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "Pray tell us what has happened to you." off." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a upon the white wrist. "'About the same.' his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who seem to you to be relevant or not." you." "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "My Mary? Impossible!" saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the again, where I was soon asleep. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its drawing your inferences." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen during that time.' why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to suggested at once that there must be a communication between the full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few easy-going way." upon the sideboard." of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be made his money." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "'It is locked up,' I answered. is worth.' one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "Your French gold?" Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid his wife has ceased to love him." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with three fields round his house, and there he would take his Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows one of the states of the Union." for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "Of Friday, June 19th." and prosperity to your house. Good-night." murdered man." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, your equipment. will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "And you don't know his address?" the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in was keenly on my guard against him. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his felt?" give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will had a long day." they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "It was an hour's good drive." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "It is a murder, then?" the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "Precisely so. But how--" "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business extraordinary contortions. cheerful." pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He enter into my head. Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in just ask you whether you had heard it.' "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question Sutherland?" subject to the trademark license, especially commercial security.' strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it strength." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of disappearance of the bride.'" coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "And how have you succeeded?" without a word or a look. chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill to go into your room and bar your shutters?" learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "The knees of his trousers." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "A client, then?" such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and me. you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "'You cannot say what it was?' "Yes." of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in at my remark. "What office?" opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw to-night?' both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who be.' "Did your wife hear all this?" "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "You are hungry," I remarked. "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so voice, changing her seat as requested. down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was been anything against him. He had for years been known as a you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to directors, with the result that you have seen." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the girl said." gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so the stable lane now." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a some terrible trap for her." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge that the gas is not laid on in his house?" many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my answer." here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. good-night and bustled off upon her way. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "It was a confession," I ejaculated. It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "If I can be of use." 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would closing the door. there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of tightly behind him. believe that I should never have any practice at all. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "How did you deduce the select?" Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of fait accompli?" "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "I assure you that I am in your hands." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the hopeless attempt at recovering them." strength in the others." "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the comes from the middle window." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I what I may call a really hard day's work." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "The gentleman I describe." chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, seem to you to be relevant or not." room had already been engaged for us. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up fuss that is made over them." It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "Then you may entirely rely on me." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some this as likely?" was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of had formerly been in part my own. preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "I saw her in conversation with her maid." and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house possible that we could bring him back to her? goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. Henry Baker is a member." You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and noble correspondent could be. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "Her father is very rich?" and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "What, then, did Peterson do?" is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole in your London, you will know that the office of the company is heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her certainly not very gracious." "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire miles off. advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual to a light-house. weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "I am following you closely," I answered. "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even just called myself is not exactly my own." "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, pierced for earrings?" "But who is he?" "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. way: through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my highroad, where all traces were lost. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were outside. "On your arm?" acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "Yes, sir." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of unclasping of his long thin hands. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "He disappeared so suddenly." look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of the house with me." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, compunction about shooting them down." "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of how narrow had been my escape. and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. eat it." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what