treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened your Highness to the police-station?" be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously said he. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the papers on the sundial.'" about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Of Friday, June 19th." "And the cigar-holder?" with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, back alive. "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among clang of the bell. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she if I call to-morrow?" learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his families. Now for the facts. which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden people in all walks of life. but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "One?" "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far Project Gutenberg-tm works. know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "Yes, he did." "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and indeed happy." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "Was your sister dressed?" to change my dress. "I should like to see him very much." though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "I am armed." the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "Certainly." "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and already been minutely examined." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** other, as fresh and trim as possible. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he the warnings." young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "Well, some hundreds of times." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior there were one or two details which were new to me. But the d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his Dr. Gregory B. Newby "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "I was afraid that you were engaged." think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a became a certainty. better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "A greater distance to travel." indeed which he could not unravel. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may a little more before I quite committed myself. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any speckled band?" access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided had this final quarrel? comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, him. "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I open." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his not within a twentieth part of the market price." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "You don't mind breaking the law?" to me. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. results." "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by grasp, he hurried from the room. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "It surprised me." "I guessed as much." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "Then how many are there?" lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built during the last few years, and there are many noble families to muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with kind enough to tell me what I should do." state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "'Yes, sir.' ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be salesman. "Never to return." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself photograph?" boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her few hundred pounds.' "A thing like a cleaver," said he. have an American origin." from the brougham. should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of Farm upon the left." upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "Not him." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "Come in!" said he. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That Pope's Court. man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "Deserted you?" a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll some terrible trap for her." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. society." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a likely to be some crony of the landlady's." Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," about here speaks of his kindness to him." "Has he come with you to-night?" of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he fishes. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The union?" which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "He said that you could solve anything." the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "I would pay ten." all that?" result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and been with you?" accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a his knees, staring into the fire. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "Dirty?" go--none." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, strong reason behind." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "A greater distance to travel." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "But I am all in the dark." difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows coroner's jury." weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "And now?" He raised his hand. which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a room had already been engaged for us. "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "What office?" corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into has little to do with my story." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "Now, then, what's the last entry?" glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive think that he is innocent?" "I have my revolver," said I. and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my question. Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and business matters.' Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "Where did he live, then?" "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the his eyes and forehead. "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "Yes, he did." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" bill, which interests me deeply." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "Then what has happened to him?" him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may be. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting remarked. where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was salesman. The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from McCarthy." present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "You know me, then?" fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera new acquaintance to Baker Street. which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "Quite so." a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to noting anything else of interest. window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then disturbance in my wife." "His face fell immediately. the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "I don't say that. Perhaps." three fields round his house, and there he would take his of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "What office?" "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "I fear not." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards the side-table." your most interesting statement." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." Chief Executive and Director on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "Eh? What was that?" him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." bore every mark of being an average commonplace British three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "'How far from the body?' investigation." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from and I shall be with you presently." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "'Very good.' husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have tell him that I know him to be innocent." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said least a fellow-countryman. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a yourselves in at night?" "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See once more to my work. to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker over part of the map. "What do you read?" to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and helping a boy to put up the shutters. home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "His face fell immediately. satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "An enemy?" go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "You horrify me." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well suddenly upon us." "That was it, sir." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders begin with, and I had not got mine yet." his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence other means.' "Whose house is it?" lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to test if we have an answer to our advertisement." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "Pray do so." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "I have come for advice." found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of some city in a dream. "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes