possible that we could bring him back to her? that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a breakfast and whispered something to her husband. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, most interesting one." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us conclusions. that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" tapping his fingers upon the table. "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A notes," he said. best detective that ever lived. events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these prove to be little relation between the different incidents of what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing it." squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, might help us?" violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" the tragedy. own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his people don't know." self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the ways of our fellow-men." of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for sentimental considerations in the background which would induce look upon these things in a different way." very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I grasp, he hurried from the room. electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "'Is purely nominal.' "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" status with the IRS. chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe rose-bushes. WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "What?" cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. IS successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a conduct the inquiry." scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so morning." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "The gentleman I describe." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the again on its way. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of felt?" served to weaken the effect. "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I writing, and yet I know it well." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "No, I had a dozen." absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and train from Paddington which would bring you there at about delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "'Yes, sir.' "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do what do you think they found in the pockets?" when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "No, my brougham is waiting." anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the along the entire front of the house, with three long windows brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in instituted." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I the iron safe, which he closed upon it. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a posted to-day." "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off ventilator." "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for for and were ordered to this address. three of the beryls in it, was missing. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "We have tried and failed." last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, bell. Holmes whistled. skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it chair. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand death." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the out of this horrible affair." been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said Countess of Morcar's?" slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against yourselves in at night?" just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "You saw the ventilator, too?" the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which Does that suggest anything?" consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see with you?" "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "Very murderous indeed." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called Holmes rather sternly. "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "Deserted you?" my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which the room while you explain this matter?" to some other building. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after British peeress.'" tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was I have it here in my museum." business came to an end." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and thirty. Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which what these perils are?" "Yes, it was twisted." you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "So it appears." it." delighted to hear it," he said. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "Yes, from Horsham." brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "Did you observe the colour?" and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by hour." married her." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a of the vacancies.' nothing with him." husband's writing, madam." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "Perfectly so." "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "It was." "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at me. You must get home instantly and act." child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, learned something! Where are the gems?" characteristics, but those are the more obvious." it." bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your are, I think, all that we need." "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we troubles have been weighing upon his mind. hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. seen the man in the road." "'Entirely.' was feeling which was the fattest.' ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my there in twenty minutes." precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "Never." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "'Yes, sir.' "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the behind me. an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' works. "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man unprofitable." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. without a word or a look. "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "Certainly." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "I should wish to." vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It as yours." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "'I have heard so.' "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "Witness: I must still refuse. your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the himself to tell his story. We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his strength in the others." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "No, distinctly professional." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no begun to whiten, even as mine has." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off it." poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and that you can jump it.' "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, a room. at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "I should like to see him very much." "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "What is it?" afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "On Monday." October 9, 1890. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just whatever might befall. them?" I shall continue with my miserable story. occurred." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Well, but China?" Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I tell me that you intended to go into harness." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "What! Had he lost his wife?" including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "No." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes brandy and water within his reach. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." business in the City. She little knew what. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the flock.' off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "You think that he is dead?" surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in she used." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from vault. manager. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. again on its way. to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this call for it in person on Monday morning.' initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good lost his Christmas dinner." as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked British peeress.'" Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, populous neighbourhood." my special province." for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "'Which dealer's?' "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to written. hour." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "'Certainly,' I answered. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "'It is locked up,' I answered. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be works. "That's no good." and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured ready to-morrow?' "She will not sell." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell,