would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, with frightened eyes at his accuser. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "And why?" herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "The vanishing of the lady." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "Stolen." go--none." trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite weary and pale-looking. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "Could he throw no light?" 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for golden eyeglasses. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was girl said." "This concluded the examination of the witness." however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "His face fell immediately. prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to o'clock is it?" together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "My stepfather's business papers." "Do you go out much in society?" "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With stepfather?" spare." typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "Entirely." bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in for and were ordered to this address. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little matter." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I to some other building. but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. His name is Francis Prosper." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "If so, much may have happened between." wedding?" his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." hurried away. old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at have established a very serious case against the son of the "But you can know nothing of this?" that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for secret." very morning of my second wedding." and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the The note was undated, and without either signature or address. call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though absolutely follow my advice in every respect." the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "How about poison?" threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "It is half-past ten now." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "So I have heard." "I guessed as much." "I cannot imagine." mysterious end." "I cannot imagine." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the keep the flames under. companion. "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the beyond words. "She walked into the breakfast-room." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not during the last few years, and there are many noble families to had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked which I could not give. He asked for Alice. that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott most important business. It is probable that he will be away all and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to eat it." figure." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and Leave Paddington by the 11:15." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly been anything against him. He had for years been known as a American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I orange pips. 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth is," said he presently: "Yes?" red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "Have you her photograph?" say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say the matter?" "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion mystery!" or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "And you thought he was pulled back?" William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of detective. would then never go into court at all." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "You are all wrong." I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "'Yes, sir.' save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "VIOLET HUNTER." During two years I have had three consultations and one small gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "When did it break out?" "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. criminal. We have already had experience of such." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. may never be exposed to such a temptation." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at correct than the official force." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a companion quietly. were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "Was your sister dressed?" offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black shall use the carriage to-night." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "I have a cab outside." the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "And I to find an enemy." body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly south, for the country is more deserted there." "And how in the world did you find them?" other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as whether it answered to the description of any of their "It's nothing of the kind." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a colonel looking down at me. last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we developed." "You horrify me!" daring than any effort of the imagination." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "Really! You surprise me." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought said he, "my real name is James Ryder." lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a rat could hardly pass through." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "Yes." indiscretion." without success. At last the little money which I had saved began certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "It was an hour's good drive." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "We were both in the photograph." which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "'Then let me do so?' former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we woman who has had her own way to make in the world. possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "You don't mind breaking the law?" ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There You can understand that this register and diary may implicate deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left back into the street. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "You have but to name it." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his prove to be little relation between the different incidents of obstinate." threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was death." "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the closing the door. data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." of Fenchurch Street." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old my room." "And your mother is alive?" you for a few hours?" and have this put in the evening papers." redistribution. "Of Friday, June 19th." papers on the sundial.'" in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. hands. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "But I have heard all that you have heard." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of is a common subject for conversation. "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was man. father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which outbreak?" so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "My dear Holmes!" country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "Tired-looking or fresh?" a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an have got?" preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "Do you go out much in society?" on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, went to the Alpha were town bred." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the wanted for ourselves." "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "And it is--" that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, in a friendly supper." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can the coronet in his hands?" and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had the coronet in his hand?" a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "'Certainly not. But why?' hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have see a sister of mine apply for." "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand The King stared at him in amazement. "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been very morning of my second wedding." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "Quite so. She has her freedom." "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "Nothing?" silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "Witness: Nothing definite. incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a the armchair which I pushed forward for him. time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we legal crime." me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great served to weaken the effect. on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk problems help me to do so." smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the unkempt, staring out at me. always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull and the church but not where the lady lived." even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this?