"But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to narrative." during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "Well, it is a possible supposition." maid will bring up your coffee." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging gone before you can get him to hospital." as he remarks, very much against the son." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of what do you think they found in the pockets?" brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "And from a noble client?" "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "And Irene Adler?" "No, finished." a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "Was she in good spirits?" his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as the bottom.' "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your upon the shelf for the interim." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is his grey eyes. aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest tell him that I know him to be innocent." for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for looking up at the numbers of the houses." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "Perfectly so." wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the will be renamed. "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or success. Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San this as likely?" weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the chance." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country himself to tell his story. "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "Did your wife hear all this?" be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to matter." there has been an enclosure here!" memory. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found guilty parties." upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the possible that we could bring him back to her? "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have threw himself down with his face to the pillow. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "Which surely he restored to their owner?" wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, Edgeware Road. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "Yes, it would be as well." hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely said he. was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a front of me. "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "Do you go out much in society?" have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really will take you up to see the machine.' for securing the situation." Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further married her." Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "Only as much as we can deduce." be sorry for having acted so harshly." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "But what harm can there be in that?" his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "Certainly." going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "I am armed." as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "Who was the criminal, then?" drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to invisible to me," I remarked. and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but cigars in their mouths. "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "Which surely he restored to their owner?" found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "Stolen, then." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "No good news?" "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds and your relations to her." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "He is dead," cried several voices. present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' hour?' from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever companion. were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Where, indeed?" "Were they all fastened this morning?" "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely fluttered off among the others. "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that since then to throw any light upon what became of him." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said joking. case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An details." case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately hour." us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy this unhappy family?" constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "How about poison?" came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his business at Coburg Square is serious." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." ways of our fellow-men." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a or in danger--" confronted him. A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An you came in." "'I am sure if I had known--' which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "That was it, sir." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water highroad, where all traces were lost. the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the crime. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on where she found matters as described by the last witness. game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was third from London." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "And now?" I asked. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "What! a murderous attack?" "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "Yesterday." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "When did it break out?" "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be to-morrow." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." seem to you to be relevant or not." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of of." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you my former friend and companion. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "'Is 4 pounds a week.' bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "How did he come?" terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just enter into my head. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." ready to-morrow?' "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant wedding?" "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "One of his hands." consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter hopeless attempt at recovering them." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' to arrive at through this?" some city in a dream. blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some The events in question occurred in the early days of my "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was asked. perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and to take care of herself." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "None." judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "His face fell immediately. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful Stoke Moran." if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "I think it very unlikely." some water from a caraffe. "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the like that before?" "My dear Holmes!" deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "Come in!" said he. "Dark enough and sinister enough." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this before, for it was considerably after midnight. "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "'It is locked up,' I answered. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "Witness: Nothing definite. demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "I was certainly surprised to find you there." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "Not in the least." have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact not as remarkable as your advertisement." "What will you say?" showing my impatience. pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "Your presence might be invaluable." change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good present." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "Of Friday, June 19th." horse could go." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which lamp in his hand. "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding characteristics, but those are the more obvious." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master cigars in their mouths. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told shall not find me ungrateful." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. name is different." seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other went to the Alpha were town bred." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "Well." himself to tell his story. along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "But I have heard all that you have heard." vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "My dear Holmes!" some water from a caraffe. My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "Not particularly." to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then beyond words. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he tapping his fingers upon the table. from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their in one or two places in England?' Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "Yes, they were peculiar boots." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "Certainly." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "Why, it's a dummy," said he. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. you in your example." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to Miss Holder?" be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. Holmes." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their dear old homesteads?" come either from the window or the door. My attention was The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all father's place of business?" about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "I came to find a friend." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was it with his own hands." beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each during that time.' to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "I cannot think." remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "Yes, all." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, fuss that is made over them." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' that you wished to speak to me?' exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as foot. "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" soul! here is her carriage at the door." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a your billet.' to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "You think so, too?" "To an end?" "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the four million human beings all jostling each other within the "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition.