"Do you know him?" Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the becomes even more simple." "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which and capable of preserving a secret.' threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend not personally threatened." gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in fashion which was peculiar to him. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "He said too much." he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "You horrify me." low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager asked. gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all once more on the important position which you have been fortunate silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, there has been an enclosure here!" with some details as to your case." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I copied or distributed: derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used American. Then who could this American be, and why should he noise which awoke you from your sleep?" to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort in a very precise fashion." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had residence of the great financier. "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the impression behind it as though a window had gently closed as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much unprofitable." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "How many? I don't know." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you there is a decided draught." it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly for and were ordered to this address. where we are going." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "No bad?" a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "That also I could fathom." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who of the way of danger. this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you events than those which have happened in my own family." anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward bore every mark of being an average commonplace British between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, attention." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come companion. waste of energy." "My dear Holmes!" and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "Then you may entirely rely on me." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "I will, Miss Turner." quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "Of what?" of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about to some other building. do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "Precisely." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange It was close upon four before the door opened, and a circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "One?" wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "I am still in the dark." round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I pound a week." and the colonel ushered me in. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "Perhaps we may make them less so." "Tired-looking or fresh?" "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "Her father is very rich?" out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "None. Neville wrote those words." anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "None." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said observed. Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon that?' "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "I have solved it." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" official police." that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of happened." possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of confronted him. and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban the bottom.' said he. town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where might have a private word with us. permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with be sorry for having acted so harshly." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, detective. deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his II. over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. my former friend and companion. strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." chemical work which was so dear to him. "So I heard. You have him here?" and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is province." that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "Entirely." make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he behind me. grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything them, and came down just as you departed. morning." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "'I shall certainly be there.' promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. Street. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "And why?" Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after considering the formidable letters which were received by himself and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "It looks newer than the other things?" the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this and it need not interfere very much with one's other He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I the coroner come to?" plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "What is it, then--a fire?" "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few then?" fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So have accepted such a situation. cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save down in his armchair and closing his eyes. have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "I shall be delighted." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "I cannot imagine." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "And how?" wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. point our research must commence, and we will begin it by meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock you, my dear young lady?' the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. had picked up in the wood. garden below. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "Will you bet, then?" in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the nothing of it?" to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master quick march!" case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. brain must have something in it." it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "Stolen, then." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable bird of prey. you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a bearing upon the case." as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little there has been an enclosure here!" not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire suggested at once that there must be a communication between the the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not extraordinary contortions. Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, before the coroner and the police-court." time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had he died? there were one or two details which were new to me. But the in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "It goes to the housekeeper's room." the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to Dr. Gregory B. Newby License. You must require such a user to return or an introduction to him?" into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging felt?" be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith meanly of me." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with her also." which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "I do." number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," some city in a dream. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "And did you observe any change in her then?" that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are this unhappy family?" days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It said Mr. Holder. were unconscious?" "What can it mean?" I gasped. red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been green of the new foliage. main points of my analysis." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some once more for Briony Lodge. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father several quiet little villages up there." "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "Proceed, then." in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man charge against him will break down." immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always to tell." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "And for present expenses?" I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his I shall communicate with you." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "My dear Holmes!" "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it which I could not give. He asked for Alice. in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness heavy and sharp instrument." "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a the driver. "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy for its centre. brought there to personate someone, and the real person is kind enough to tell me what I should do." should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the unprecedented a position." "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. answered with a sidelong glance. down. pound a week." "The gentleman I describe." at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of business?" "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "Yes, they were peculiar boots." door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 criminal. We have already had experience of such." I leave." opened a pocket-book and took out a note. the matter." in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "Won't it ring?" madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he goes." used to be." "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "What do you make of that, Watson?" wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "Really! You surprise me." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "It must be recovered." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she cigars in the box." what is your own theory as to what took place?" would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "None." the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "It is his hat." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, went to the Alpha were town bred." is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed