spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" companion quietly. not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Only as much as we can deduce." "Dirty?" The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "Which surely he restored to their owner?" keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "How on earth--" impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own opportunities to fix the problem. the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "Nothing." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "It missed him, then?" is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact maiden herself was most instructive." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "'Quite sure, dad.' distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work the loss of it. that you saw all that I did." "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "Proceed, then." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my annoyance, but no jest. the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you presented more singular features than that which was associated and looked back. appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "Tired-looking or fresh?" As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that said I. when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a putting in the horse. beyond words. We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a in his hands." in him." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "We were both in the photograph." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long the salesman. seen the man in the road." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "Where, then, is my wife?" slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "Why did you beat the pavement?" "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I name is different." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of figure." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a forehead. note?" London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come said I. to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps in my life." "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" matter over." be best to do. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "I think that I had better go, Holmes." saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "A greater distance to travel." produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is heavy and sharp instrument." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and crackling voice. other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "No. What a strange idea!" "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "The best possible." away into the river." be sorry for having acted so harshly." "And Miss Sutherland?" practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" take the flies, but not before." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were appeal." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? Mary, has deserted me." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup investigation." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the and it need not interfere very much with one's other the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon to change my dress. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "And Miss Sutherland?" room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but pity, because in other respects you would really have done very shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "'You doubt its value?' he asked. the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. what is your own theory as to what took place?" by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Holmes, the busybody!" "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. since then to throw any light upon what became of him." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know most interesting one." it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the the devil!" the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of business." despaired of." suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord without success. At last the little money which I had saved began brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" extraordinary contortions. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "What, then?" your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "And why?" through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." populous neighbourhood." "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "Oh, yes, easily." was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came made his money." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the ran thus: Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very never will be, entirely cleared up. as this. Pray let me have the details." established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per learned something! Where are the gems?" Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault in darkness. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He questionable one." walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the British peeress.'" The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood one else, I think." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "What I expected to see." and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." you." may have an influence upon European history." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "Where, then?" of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of fluttered off among the others. "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, was shining brightly. cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple be there in time for your coming." of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five problems help me to do so." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "From his hat?" though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger my secret was safe in his possession. "In the cells." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "Really! You surprise me." helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no London for the present?" "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great me upon any point which I do not make clear." "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the congratulate you again." through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, nonsense.' hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his himself. she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her begun to whiten, even as mine has." "Breckinridge is his name." panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." sake, don't!" directly by questioning you." black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "Here?" convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not his eyes and forehead. "Where, then?" prison!" "Yesterday." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "It came here." and a shock of very red hair. Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "Yes, all." Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then the roots. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms observed. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of stepfather?" the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. congratulate you again." that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to and prosperity to your house. Good-night." Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. than was visible to me." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous are, I think, all that we need." 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am ordinary clothes on?" of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "I have solved it." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said evidence," I remarked. "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by tapping his fingers upon the table. The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has Dr. Gregory B. Newby the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked dates and names. 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, father's place of business?" destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into examine." "It may not come to that," said Holmes. which I could not give. He asked for Alice. room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "And you can do nothing until then?" already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "You know me, then?" Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "Where did he live, then?" you, my dear young lady?' seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." gentleman's clothes. and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "But you can know nothing of this?" "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through that there was nothing in it, after all." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "I have solved it." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have the running down." both be extremely obliged.' right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding row." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite name is different." without success. At last the little money which I had saved began dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom down in his armchair and closing his eyes. fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" feature." Holmes. It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "So I am. Very much so." thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, depend upon your compliance." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is highly," said Holmes. "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his at a side door. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting of campaign. outsides of the windows. town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond introspective fashion. pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "How do you know, then?" Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "It is possible." "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of him to go away.' would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "It came here." opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "A call for help, you thought?" wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' third from London." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, I think that I could be of assistance to you." had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had The note was undated, and without either signature or address. cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "My own seal." and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "Entirely." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was skylight. very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "Yes, at the mines." to some other building. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I 1.E.9. and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view room?" "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so."