we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "'Then let me do so?' followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. arrested. You then--" started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "Eh? What was that?" "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "'Never.' "Was there a secret marriage?" any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would Chief Executive and Director "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies security.' but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my fish-monger and a tide-waiter." woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me there." "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had what I may call a really hard day's work." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "Yes." "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was if only as a check to my own memory." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a throat." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you long narrative. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "'Quite sure, dad.' sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear means taking possession of that which another person has a prior week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned seem to you to be relevant or not." kind enough to tell me what I should do." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "You have it, sir, just as it happened." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left to me. I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "'Then let me do so?' conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be mysterious end." "'Certainly,' I answered. occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just clang of the bell. "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "Yes." "Dirty?" few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "Really! You surprise me." Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. thin, with a long, sharp nose?" ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and him!" nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "So it appears." "You have but to name it." if only as a check to my own memory." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "No legal papers or certificates?" eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little them?" "No." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "'I have already given you my word.' Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" purpose of examination. "I was certainly surprised to find you there." were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I had picked up in the wood. give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your bearing upon the case." opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice one which it was hard to resist. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "Deserted you?" be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "Yes." that you can jump it.' these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. directors, with the result that you have seen." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "Get out!" said he. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it of campaign. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "By all means." "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently happened." into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of I have it here in my museum." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "That is easily got." had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "I would pay ten." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will furiously. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing Eyford." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want chair. into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "Pray let us have it, for all that." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door Foundation "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have pressing in one house as in another. "No, but the enclosure is." concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of villagers almost as much as their master. Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "'About the same.' putting in the horse. laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "'You doubt its value?' he asked. year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from without success. At last the little money which I had saved began incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous this remarkable episode. sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very both be extremely obliged.' and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the have one." this as likely?" "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "You saw the ventilator, too?" gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of get her out of the way." "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "How on earth--" street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, respectable self." fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. made his money." "Was your sister dressed?" What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they bill, which interests me deeply." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "It was an hour's good drive." reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "But you were on a friendly footing?" previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "'What, the red-headed man?' open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the waste of energy." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "I have my revolver," said I. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is not fit the lock." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "None. Neville wrote those words." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all meant it for the best. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole since then to throw any light upon what became of him." new acquaintance to Baker Street. "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a showing my impatience. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the results." an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you father's young wife. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the relief. "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring new duties?' Eyford." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "Her father is very rich?" "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "There are none." while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to as yours." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of you." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "Have you her photograph?" "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the had this final quarrel? Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. posted to-day." village inn over there?" received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that that he has suffered." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his might have a private word with us. accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "What, then, did Peterson do?" "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found once more to my work. receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "But who is he?" blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect which I could not give. He asked for Alice. the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing might have a private word with us. tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A been deceived." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may closing the door. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "But to whom?" could not have written that. It is the German who is so lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be burst into a hearty fit of laughter. showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken so far?" of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for crowd. the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and what these perils are?" "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some trying to your nerves." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "I have come for advice." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet of them has the shutters up.' Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "Was your sister dressed?" "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his always that they were such commands as a lady might with he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few the stones. hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of nights." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "He might." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "Perhaps I have." Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as married her." drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush entirely lost his self-respect." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held easy-going way." been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "I have come for advice." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an third from London." was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up out of this horrible affair." "But how?" "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too done what I asked you, Jones?" "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "To the police?" not personally threatened." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those of it with the greatest attention. guilty parties." time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "But what harm can there be in that?" my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his lips." "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "Yes, but only for you and me." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "Yes." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the affair. of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "Look there!" said he. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "But you were on a friendly footing?" he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly,