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business." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. During two years I have had three consultations and one small during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." yards of it?' life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "Nothing?" outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis Countess of Morcar's?" "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "You heard nothing yourself last night?" nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly sparkled upon his finger. the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to the address that was given us in the advertisement. fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known DISSOLVED. society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. is four-and-twenty." have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some was lame." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm his wife has ceased to love him." breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom more solid." "'It is locked up,' I answered. the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and maid will bring up your coffee." "Then what has happened to him?" eat it." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I residence of the great financier. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of is acting for the best. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "'Ten to two.' "Not yet." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "His face fell immediately. "'Entirely.' anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his prepare for the new role I have to play." information in his hands the value of which he did not himself hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His once more to my work. "What have you to say now?" threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal have been better. It is all right." I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "Yes, the wine-cellar." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "No more words. Get out!" "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, disappearance of these gems?" deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; which are rolled in Rotterdam." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. sound at heart." "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One vanished into the darkness. the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little sentimental considerations in the background which would induce while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable notes," he said. breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be Holmes." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is without success. At last the little money which I had saved began of fine shops and stately business premises that they really newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "None." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and do you make of it all?" before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "Oh, fresh and glossy." "This photograph!" having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "I shall most certainly do so." when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable everything which you would wish to know." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "That is possible." "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where British peeress.'" "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some gbnewby@pglaf.org undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the in. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. never came back." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they said I. "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The one which it was hard to resist. very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were burst into a hearty fit of laughter. creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "'Never,' said I. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the woman." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled you." "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "I think that it is very probable." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the gbnewby@pglaf.org "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There Holmes rather sternly. have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "I shall be delighted." Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "What, then, did Peterson do?" article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." You want to know what became of those geese?" whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, appeared upon the scene." here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. whether it answered to the description of any of their away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire the ceiling. looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. the salesman. and put his glass in his pocket. and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "None. Neville wrote those words." "Why did you pick him?" stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle records." towards the blaze. eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with noble correspondent could be. "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope derbies." "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a true." perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "But I am all in the dark." hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "But you would not advise me to refuse?" Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at humiliation." "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for all that?" The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, must compliment you." "So it appears." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned locked. he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had of them has the shutters up.' to surprise her." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "I was sure that I might rely on you." the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "Have you her photograph?" out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really to surprise her." certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "Yes." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found recover the gem." "No, I am descending." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man you give your casting vote to?" "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "It is no ordinary one." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "I cannot tell." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the ran thus: doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "Yes, he did." Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "Did you become engaged then?" This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any nights." preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, hand, madam?" We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery questionable one." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin the best of training." bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "When did it break out?" were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel an introduction to him?" "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "You have the photograph?" old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, asked. dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "That is it on the dressing-table." "But what will you do?" to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the Mrs. Toller serenely. "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "'Why that?' I asks. the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "But what will you do?" The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly said he at last. so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "Yes." It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. your Highness to the police-station?" depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "No." shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through the coronet in his hand?" "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so spark where all is dark to me." young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him shoulder; "he's all right." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to wedding?" lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than said I. newspaper selections." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for your room." toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed hard-headed British jury." a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "Come in!" said Holmes. effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work be. "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "Well, some hundreds of times." is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle you for a few hours?" adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." was not a bird to be seen there. "Where is it, then?" A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked simple cases which are so extremely difficult." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good his eyes and forehead. "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just business." case-book, which he consulted. retorted upon me, and I on you." "It is very kind of you." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street."