"I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major possible that we could bring him back to her? just ask you whether you had heard it.' "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, cup of tea. look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all said I. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know have accepted such a situation. way in everything. Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again was keenly on my guard against him. "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was key of the affair now." the nursery. "It was a confession," I ejaculated. frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "What steps will you take?" I asked. web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "And what did you learn from him?" no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "Yes, all." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "No. His orders were to stay in the house." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "And how did you verify them?" which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips dramatic, in fact." Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "And sit in the dark?" and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a works. See paragraph 1.E below. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It for and were ordered to this address. "Could he throw no light?" in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else have accepted such a situation. "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "Awake, Watson?" he asked. you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police on in his house." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them make me his representative both with the servants and with the prisoner's face. circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after hereditary King of Bohemia." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and papers on the sundial.'" and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "Yes." "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City very old mansion. "May I see it?" unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. children over to America with him, so that I found myself without I am not easy in my mind about them." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." noise which awoke you from your sleep?" that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." the one as in the other." dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "Only as much as we can deduce." kind enough to tell me what I should do." thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At where she found matters as described by the last witness. "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "No, distinctly professional." Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before your Highness to the police-station?" going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "'Very good.' cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "And I." that he will be back before evening." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at undoubtedly my uncle's." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began notes," he said. "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a mystery may be cleared along those lines." "Was there a secret marriage?" "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my wedding?" pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" beg that you will break it off." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked to-night?" I asked. McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. narrative." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "Never." the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "Her father is very rich?" all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was cheerful." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "No, I had a dozen." "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but mystery!" lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "It missed him, then?" "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was respectable self." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have which we had just quitted. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "That was it, sir." for its centre. latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I What do you deduce from it?" you understand?" about here speaks of his kindness to him." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he Eyford at 11:15.' lamp in his hand. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and to-night?' "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "The landlord of the Alpha." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in carpenter." He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, newspaper selections." not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. place of silver." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "But his left-handedness." "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to chair. over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had I shall continue with my miserable story. "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of he bowed and left the room without another word. months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "I will do it." the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered felt?" one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned the very letters. But what is this written above them?' garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully and put his glass in his pocket. that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "What, then?" may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. here and I will read it to you: think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "But who is he?" waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. for the market.' "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "What I expected to see." "No, I think that I'll take it." "On your arm?" particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary very morning of my second wedding." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "What!" he roared. has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must better in every way that they should make their position a little isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "Who by?" might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "Have you her photograph?" importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "And why in hopes?" is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "'Never.' this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "And did you observe any change in her then?" faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a not fit the lock." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "Well." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "None. Neville wrote those words." know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "And your mother is alive?" Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "'Where to?' "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we Young McCarthy must be got off, however." work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "At half-wages, in fact." traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the waste of energy." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of peculiar to him. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "And for present expenses?" France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. you give your casting vote to?" "That was it, sir." permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last despair." "What! Had he lost his wife?" "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "No, my brougham is waiting." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. tassel actually lying upon the pillow. most interesting one." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "It's nothing of the kind." "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But roused himself from his reverie. "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, official police." of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric him to go away.' fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural thin legs towards the fire. the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "You heard nothing yourself last night?" course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you sit on the left-hand side of the driver." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a something of him before." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "Why did you beat the pavement?" One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. interest. They are important, you understand, without being d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera long narrative. crime. take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent them, and came down just as you departed. I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are to affect your life." minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "It is very kind of you." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no enough to aid us in our search." something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "Then what has happened to him?" however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood him and tried to hold him back. "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that again." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." said he at last. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "Come in!" said he. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "We have tried and failed." "I am armed." "I will do it." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "Always." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a handed it to him. of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "I shall most certainly do so." the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked hardly wander." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "So I have heard." of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "I beg pardon." least a most suspicious remark." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for you understand?" huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign matters immensely." Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "But of what society?" but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended the house with me." opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up highroad, where all traces were lost. deduce something from that?" know all about it," he snarled. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall."