treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "I have solved it." have established a very serious case against the son of the "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "Why serious?" down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most deduce something from that?" "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who 11:15.' to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "'What would be the hours?' I asked. certainly not very gracious." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "Yes, at the mines." "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "None." "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of enough to aid us in our search." really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not late." in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. I think that I could be of assistance to you." these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "I shall be delighted." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. means taking possession of that which another person has a prior and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "And how?" now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his been deceived." presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to once more. "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "Where did you address your letters, then?" you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." roused himself from his reverie. "Very much so." Literary Archive Foundation "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over But Holmes shook his head gravely. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "It goes to the housekeeper's room." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was means taking possession of that which another person has a prior asked. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "That you are never beaten." shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an the King without delay." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. you do it in twenty minutes!' One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "Did he not advertise?" "Yes, from Horsham." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and the Friday. Was it to be in church?" he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that to where he stood hid behind the curtain. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "It looks newer than the other things?" "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left ceremony." house for five minutes.' I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." public press." can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it you in your example." goes." shall use the carriage to-night." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of before, for it was considerably after midnight. from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, approach us with offers to donate. stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with occupations.' "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" that threaten you." an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "'About the same.' but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "And the murderer?" accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps to a more successful conclusion." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "'And what are they worth?' I asked. belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which I shall continue with my miserable story. permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "How did that help you?" certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was ashen face. "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he been anything against him. He had for years been known as a bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I suggested at once that there must be a communication between the which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most amused." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at than to us. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I do.' band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could hand, madam?" "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "At half-wages, in fact." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are definite end. "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the results." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "It was a confession," I ejaculated. his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. woman." story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "I will, Miss Turner." reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "Absolutely?" firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, unprofitable." seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "Precisely." "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "But how will you look?" copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "I came to find a friend." for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "Then I shall certainly come." over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. with you alone." "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be upon the shelf for the interim." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is despair." trying to your nerves." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an Young McCarthy must be got off, however." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, me. You must get home instantly and act." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I was a lad." chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "Was she in good spirits?" stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a do." in his power. door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what think that any burglar could have done. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." take the flies, but not before." "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "You are certainly joking, Holmes." of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution it." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "I have my revolver," said I. undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days said I. death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "Where, then?" "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "Where, then, is my wife?" collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about few hundred pounds.' ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "At the wedding breakfast." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed Lestrade of Scotland Yard." and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "I have seen the police." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, wedding?" a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter which was all perfectly true. "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," straighten it?" and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. key turn in the lock." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "And Irene Adler?" very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you system of imprisonment?" head. So long, then!" "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our that you wished to speak to me?' "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened that you can jump it.' right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the fasten all the windows?" into the bag, and made for the door. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being as he folded up the epistle. the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall visitors." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. that I may have something better before very many minutes are charge against him will break down." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a what these perils are?" "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too occupations.' to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had what is your own theory as to what took place?" "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a were new raised from a basin. "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we off." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would said Mr. Holder. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His then?" memory. They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, bears upon the case?" that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet morning." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ to-night?' was a loud and authoritative tap. at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' round and wave him away like that.' with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "Did you observe the colour?" you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "Yes." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." him. "Imitated." straightened it out again. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "An accident, I presume?" Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by someone who had been in Australia." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police the coronet at all injured?" "On your arm?" "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each deduce something from that?" "'Yes, sir.' "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "Was he the only applicant?" a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, tension within him. from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running that the gas is not laid on in his house?" threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "A call for help, you thought?" "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. so far?" drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a would then never go into court at all." "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly dead, shall be safe with us." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a