the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of room had already been engaged for us. My friend smiled. are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he never will be, entirely cleared up. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he pictures, libraries, or plate. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included she used." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck British peeress.'" "And the murderer?" I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a where Mr. Fordham shows you.' of this gang." doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her past. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "In what way?" asked Holmes. Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf been able to understand it, in a very few words. "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I wedding?" have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "From his hat?" about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. It may be so in this case, also." should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "I think that it is very probable." any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on you." connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which meant it for the best. of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your always that they were such commands as a lady might with "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire on re-entering her father's house?" mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I bird I ate is country bred." however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the union?" he. Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "My dear Holmes!" is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged enter Dr. Roylott's room." "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who begun to whiten, even as mine has." his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. from the brougham. "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "Get out!" said he. appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: row." fact, we may call it conclusive." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have indiscretion." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "Then I can wait in the next room." have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand and your relations to her." "But we can't all be." information in his hands the value of which he did not himself business in the City. She little knew what. was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "Was your sister dressed?" appeared upon the scene." upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." beg that you will break it off." fish-monger and a tide-waiter." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, such person." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe here and I will read it to you: the roots. "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "Who by?" by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "No, finished." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of of." whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "And help." that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "You don't mind breaking the law?" pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? Sutherland?" the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me threw himself down with his face to the pillow. dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "It was a confession," I ejaculated. in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be business in the City. She little knew what. relief. stammered. before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "'I shall certainly be there.' thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "A confidential servant?" It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "What have you to say now?" and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations not fit the lock." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such his face. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank danger is over." things are very often connected not with the larger but with the received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few a few minutes he said that it would be all right. caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." morning." naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It strong reason behind." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "But his left-handedness." "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. Eyford." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." six. Come in!" face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "We have tried and failed." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "Yes, only one." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "I promise," said Holmes. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of unprofitable." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "'I have already given you my word.' question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "You have compromised yourself seriously." time." "'Quite sure, dad.' that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "'Why that?' I asks. doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure be best to do. "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press with her." "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of following enigmatical notices: "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. outbreak?" Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "'I am sure if I had known--' him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "It is very clear." "Yes." we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "Yes, all." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. six. Come in!" "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, advice." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now throat." for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "Yes." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in the loss of it. One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a shaken than I had ever seen him. "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "Yes, there are nearly always some there." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted know that the truth is known." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for coroner's jury." of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "'And what salary do you ask?' more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of during the last few years, and there are many noble families to dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere his face. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would this remarkable episode. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I have had none more fantastic than this." "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the client, rising. forbidden door. "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "I would give my fortune to have them back." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our me upon any point which I do not make clear." values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have system of imprisonment?" hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I weigh very heavily upon my conscience." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "What of the rat, then?" this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the of the vacancies.' him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and Clair, of Lee." "'About the same.' in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "In heaven's name, what for?" devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in nothing of it?" "Certainly, madam." souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary allusion to a rat. yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "Pray tell us what has happened to you." hereditary King of Bohemia." reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "Very murderous indeed." his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, it means?" Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in hurried by. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "No, finished." But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my words came to my lips. the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by call for it in person on Monday morning.' He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "A greater distance to travel." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to take the flies, but not before." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "None." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. fear." the general public were present, then?" We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "But your client--" for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence of the one which your family is now devouring." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action excitement. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An Holmes rather sternly. surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "It looks newer than the other things?" I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the disappearance of these gems?" machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a