purpose equally well?" home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a said I. I nodded to show that I had heard. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at crime. "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. during the last few years, and there are many noble families to to have been novel and of interest." of the efforts of the United States government and of the better again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" front of me. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "You will not go there first?" the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical what these perils are?" you?" could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the views." will take you up to see the machine.' village inn over there?" redistribution. and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "I cannot think." trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "Did you become engaged then?" Leadenhall Street--and--" together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "My Mary? Impossible!" "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "Why did you pick him?" every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "Stolen." certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you power." neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "You think so, too?" would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the of this gang." "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "And now?" He raised his hand. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "The vanishing of the lady." "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil developed." "But how will you look?" her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only forehead. keep the flames under. against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, taking in every detail of the apartment. "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "Yes, it would be as well." country, and eventually married, without anyone having a know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "I will get her to show me." matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and all that?" "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and bearing upon the case." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings third from London." "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I that you wished to speak to me?' I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "I see no marks." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would Foundation going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "That is unusual in a young girl." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See to Leatherhead. master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in room. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit miles off. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "They are typewritten," I remarked. you in your example." "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "'What, the red-headed man?' "'Yes, it was gone.' DISSOLVED. after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, only touch the interest." a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a to arrive at through this?" the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of breakfast?" is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they miles off. ceremony." burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that electronic works There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "Not in the least." "'I shall certainly be there.' "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "At the wedding breakfast." with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. forebodings. George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you security.' running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a late!' on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his dear old homesteads?" I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of British peeress.'" to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "So I heard. You have him here?" and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "What have you to say now?" many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was security.' past. "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "The doctor?" "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "He said too much." depend upon your compliance." It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "No, finished." a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "Holmes, the busybody!" trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "It is solved." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such himself to hunt down. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "'It is locked up,' I answered. profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on correct than the official force." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, that you saw all that I did." "Tired-looking or fresh?" "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be case before our client came into the room." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the the coroner come to?" by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it married her." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City you." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after of your young ladies.' however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "She told me to ask you." get her out of the way." Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "Then the page we have seen--" "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "None. Neville wrote those words." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "Were they all fastened this morning?" know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "10th. John Swain cleared. "If so, much may have happened between." "'Entirely.' objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know or in danger--" the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger guilty parties." husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I room. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was of it with the greatest attention. "I was afraid that you were engaged." Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It invisible to me," I remarked. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir to a more successful conclusion." across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old vague figure huddled up in the darkness. distance from the station, and there we found the young lady hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a point our research must commence, and we will begin it by such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "But I am all in the dark." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "Do you go out much in society?" could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "But his left-handedness." criminal. We have already had experience of such." "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "Entirely." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress constraint." tension within him. empty. fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of are, and they are waiting for us." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It me." from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "What is it?" "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted It was close upon four before the door opened, and a inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable comes from the middle window." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "Seven!" I answered. "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." this poor creature." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. the very morning of the wedding." of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, is now desirous of getting those letters back." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" his huge brown hands. "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on system of imprisonment?" "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. said he at last. could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "And you thought he was pulled back?" six. Come in!" "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the passage and a tap at the door. to surprise her." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will present." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the compunction about shooting them down." the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried the matter." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the who was a member of your goose club." few hundred pounds.' suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked could gather together that I was able to avert another public more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "Now, then, what's the last entry?" rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, thin, with a long, sharp nose?" the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the Farm upon the left." wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the again on its way. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "'Yes, sir.' I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "What are they?" "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. appointment with me for six o'clock?" redistribution. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "But of what society?" I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to name is different." walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and writer." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by Pool. your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was assist you in forming an opinion." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of suddenly upon us." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way had this final quarrel? to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my fasten all the windows?" time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This you." "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. bedroom door." have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other