was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that on re-entering her father's house?" the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "And how in the world did you find them?" takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question was a perfect sample of the class. "By all means." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at himself in a perplexing position. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore yards of it?' as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "But you were on a friendly footing?" sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, away in different directions, and I went off to make my own rose-bushes. comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "Then I shall certainly come." as he remarks, very much against the son." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his shall not find me ungrateful." examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of bore every mark of being an average commonplace British suddenly upon us." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the trifles." approach us with offers to donate. see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek hour?' Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into remarked. shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "Pray continue your narrative." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my him. "An enemy?" "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been photograph?" to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his constraint." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' at home. saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "Then I am your man." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall she used." compunction about shooting them down." really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." *** START: FULL LICENSE *** my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "In the cells." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, Arthur Conan Doyle sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." Munro.' go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred papers." drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a photograph?" "'Is purely nominal.' "Will you go?" blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On Edgeware Road. knowledge of the world." "What can you not understand?" down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see anything to do with the matter?" smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding in darkness. reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say what do you think they found in the pockets?" "By no means." October 9, 1890. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag upon the shelf for the interim." and that he would see to anything that turned up. property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" what I may call a really hard day's work." "But he might be a bachelor." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "What! a murderous attack?" "I have seen the police." Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "No?" "Of Friday, June 19th." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "'And what are they worth?' I asked. Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting had a long day." is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up British peeress.'" forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the not fit the lock." afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards will he say when he returns?" "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of call for it in person on Monday morning.' "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "What will you say?" myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be asked. is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look forecastle of an emigrant ship. weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying entirely lost his self-respect." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no formed some opinion?" "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her have one." unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful Holmes' face clouded over. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy late!' "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked things are very often connected not with the larger but with the first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut way in." myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "I don't believe it." "'I am sure that I do not know.' "Yes." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at said he. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "Is he quiet?" when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "Yesterday." Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "Yes, it would be as well." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "And help." certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present Lee, in the county of Kent." outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of have been better. It is all right." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. British peeress.'" "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, you." suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "The landlord of the Alpha." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were eat it." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "Well." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, quite distinctive." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some business matters.' "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the direction." in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow in the port of London." my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say from you?" be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "Then I can wait in the next room." All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." you?" the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress back to my heart. "Because he was handy and would come cheap." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "'Ten to two.' fat-encircled eyes. be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert disturbance in my wife." quickly through a disagreeable task. "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "Yes, all." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord nonsense.' "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer the devil!" could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. me have 200 pounds?' electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 weigh very heavily upon my conscience." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident 'I should be able to look after that for you.' contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other to tell." face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with himself to tell his story. a room. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is think that he is innocent?" stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." never came back." if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the never will be, entirely cleared up. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "You have but to name it." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "Yes, he did." inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "I will not look." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to o'clock is it?" in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "You will not go there first?" That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we my secret was safe in his possession. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns of a light. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes Sutherland?" gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "In which, sir?" waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "Your sister is dead, then?" gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how there!' something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "What is it?" If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "Never." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that out of this horrible affair." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming ran thus: of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "What, then, did Peterson do?" nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the all-comprehensive glances. "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is the inquest, and which are worth considering." must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you conceal it?" and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "Yes, only one." eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes It may be so in this case, also." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we allusion to a rat. "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "But I have heard all that you have heard." and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a Arthur Conan Doyle the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love best detective that ever lived. in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." one or two very singular points about this room. For example, your co-operation." Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes back to my heart. "'Which dealer's?' the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the Holmes' face clouded over. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a the best of training." some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "Precisely so. But how--" minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of that I may have something better before very many minutes are first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if the tragedy. His name is Francis Prosper." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in hour." with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of back into the street. herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy