"Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so ashen face. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being is worth.' accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, and prosperity to your house. Good-night." Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some taking in every detail of the apartment. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he exactly what you advise." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" threw himself down with his face to the pillow. in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." Dr. Gregory B. Newby "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "None." there has been an enclosure here!" considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "Well?" behind me. threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and with you alone." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." instincts rose up against that laugh. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and mysterious business." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on could go. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "No." the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "I have seen the police." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters strode off upon his way. has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less leave you to your papers for a little." And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "What do you make of that, Watson?" heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. really the only notable feature about the thing." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to you?' front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "He is still with you, I presume?" week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but my room." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' your own bird, so if you wish--" screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "What then?" extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. quickly through a disagreeable task. And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; that you can jump it.' did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "Pray be precise as to details," said he. fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "Come in!" said Holmes. police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "No." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "'Certainly not. But why?' "No, but the enclosure is." advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "In what way?" asked Holmes. I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "Your presence might be invaluable." hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all of the one which your family is now devouring." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought stood on the top of it. Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "He said too much." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That Literary Archive Foundation there in twenty minutes." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "My last client of the sort was a king." man. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I affection." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "I was certainly surprised to find you there." Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "What then?" "It must be recovered." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "An enemy?" "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "Really! You surprise me." the room while you explain this matter?" hour?' in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "That sounds a little paradoxical." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the kind enough to tell me what I should do." "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "'What, the red-headed man?' money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "You have a clue?" Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, it." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave think that any burglar could have done. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and seven miles from Eyford Station.' some city in a dream. of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little weigh very heavily upon my conscience." therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a it means?" His smile broadened. considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass to Leatherhead. dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my acquaintance?" and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "And now?" He raised his hand. Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I what I may call a really hard day's work." "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that just ask you whether you had heard it.' Again Holmes raved in the air. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered meant." "How about poison?" my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" Lee, in the county of Kent." people in all walks of life. charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and present strange and interesting features that it is no easy Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." that his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the coat-tails." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during quick march!" From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a without a word or a look. companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "Very murderous indeed." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. it with his own hands." could gather together that I was able to avert another public near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day a little more before I quite committed myself. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I three fields round his house, and there he would take his know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a most interesting one." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the he. stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the you give your casting vote to?" "It surprised me." "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "Where did you address your letters, then?" floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin it." house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down with you?" very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "Not in a good cause." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I fattened it expressly for you.' "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned of the one which your family is now devouring." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he success. the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to said I. same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "In what way?" asked Holmes. "The landlord of the Alpha." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good said I. "If I can be of use." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "Where did he live, then?" upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while to miss it." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret fish-monger and a tide-waiter." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very easy-going way." gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "No." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated yards of it?' "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in some city in a dream. its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "This photograph!" the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then at a side door. glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I I took the paper from him and read as follows: before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads remarked. making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us know that the truth is known." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "And you can do nothing until then?" days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "The landlord of the Alpha." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest ill-usage at the hands of fortune. rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will you want, then?' his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have the coronet in his hands?" and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "And on what day did he meet his death?" which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." not as remarkable as your advertisement." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last in the port of London." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his your room." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch has little to do with my story." people don't know." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. through." go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to redistribution. "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? second." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "'Not at all. I only doubt--' clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "I should wish to." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, over part of the map. "What do you read?" while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "How did he come?" has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen once more. blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety in his hands." but preventing her from injuring another. dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid secret." flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "I assure you that I am in your hands." present." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I that you saw all that I did." reach." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and for and were ordered to this address. "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "How did he come?" had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "I promise," said Holmes. next day. balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a