about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant village inn over there?" all-comprehensive glances. "'Is purely nominal.' bore every mark of being an average commonplace British the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had as he remarks, very much against the son." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, is four-and-twenty." "It goes to the housekeeper's room." me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "No, I had a dozen." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "No sign of it?" "You'll never persuade me to believe that." This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "In which, sir?" The police have openly confessed that they can at present make was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a awkward doing business with an alias." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "And how?" drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? opened a pocket-book and took out a note. his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "I never have." We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "It certainly sounds feasible." the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "Yes, at the mines." upon the white wrist. There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite enter Dr. Roylott's room." keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of all?" have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his of." be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "Then you may entirely rely on me." of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which minor matters until to-morrow." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, details should find their way into the papers. Inspector and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "Tired-looking or fresh?" from the brougham. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "In San Francisco, a year ago." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" read it out to me." happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he coat-tails." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "You were travelling in the States?" lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had infinite languor in his face. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. enough to aid us in our search." "Yes, certainly." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "Yes." also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "And from a noble client?" expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can page at http://pglaf.org Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "I am still in the dark." arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "But she will refuse." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we details." been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions to-night?' nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' this man was intellectual?" it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar indeed which he could not unravel. was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "What then?" "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." laugh and put his lips to my ear. idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "I beg pardon." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" me have 200 pounds?' either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter me upon any point which I do not make clear." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "And how in the world did you find them?" absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, would apply.' hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured gentleman's clothes. INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had placed his cuttings. "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "I have hopes." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and question. "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "Then you may be so with me." my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to morning." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I it were putty." "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that read it out to me." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for to-night's adventure." signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have fuss that is made over them." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the the stones. office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "No." have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to the King without delay." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "You were travelling in the States?" "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of of a light. more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "Frequently." to-night." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through the loss of it. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient manager. words came to my lips. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general wedding?" "Holmes, the busybody!" "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it his forehead." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "What then?" the side-table." sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close already been minutely examined." this truth that in these little records of our cases which you such person." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, said he. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I flock.' other means.' woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "How did you trace it, then?" "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "'What, the red-headed man?' daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and not, dad?" she asked. "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "Breckinridge is his name." have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, do you make of it all?" directly by questioning you." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers had this final quarrel? where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "And sit in the dark?" for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached an introduction to him?" is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "Then how many are there?" they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some Sholtos." The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey about here speaks of his kindness to him." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and mystery!" company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that residence of the great financier. the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "Dr. Becher's." in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. the matter?" "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "Whose house is it?" companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found interest. They are important, you understand, without being "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "'How far from the body?' possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the newspaper selections." "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I disappearance of the bride.'" later, upon the night of May 2nd." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home strong reason behind." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "And you thought he was pulled back?" was a loud and authoritative tap. which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee than to us. "No." "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and fait accompli?" Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in that you saw all that I did." body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly Sutherland. walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small fuss that is made over them." as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell chambers. "'Where could I find him?' huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the could not have written that. It is the German who is so "Then I am your man." This is what he says: "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased fish-monger and a tide-waiter." room?" "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The your equipment. occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat to Leatherhead. "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has both be extremely obliged.' "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "Well." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, best detective that ever lived. night.' said he. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such as noiselessly as she had come. "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I I shall communicate with you." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the had this final quarrel? at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "It is no ordinary one." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful soul! here is her carriage at the door." arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is the coronet at all injured?" gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our before the coroner and the police-court." "But she could not love him." "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "About a month then." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" character. His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had Project Gutenberg-tm works. of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "Did you become engaged then?" pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A he. shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "Not yet." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were true."