"Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and room had already been engaged for us. "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very noble correspondent could be. profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, some place of shelter and let the county police know what has defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can absolutely follow my advice in every respect." handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "Certainly, madam." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." Holmes rather sternly. would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his leaning back in his chair. arms and began to sob in a high treble key. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "Yes, they were peculiar boots." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "She walked into the breakfast-room." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a face and glided from the room. first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for unprofitable." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for both be extremely obliged.' Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "Did he not advertise?" widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "To an English lawyer named Norton." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For round and wave him away like that.' back into the street. returning from some small jollification and was making his way "It may not come to that," said Holmes. would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "And how did you find out?" immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing existence." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper on re-entering her father's house?" was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your front of me. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore Young McCarthy must be got off, however." friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed man. I know him from the photograph." "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "Get out!" said he. little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "At half-wages, in fact." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "What can you not understand?" of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, over his head with a sweet womanly caress. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." Leadenhall Street--and--" wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save present." between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. to tell." shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it nonsense.' you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to side. there in twenty minutes." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "But she will refuse." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the the coronet in his hand?" the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "It is solved." Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, test if we have an answer to our advertisement." a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I Holmes." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as lumber-room." electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not companion. greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with not interfere, come what may. You understand?" clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "Oh, fresh and glossy." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "'What would be the hours?' I asked. glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest upon the white wrist. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." said he. their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "Yes, I have one waiting." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "What I expected to see." has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "Well?" cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his had no one to advise her at such a crisis." entirely lost his self-respect." case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get key of the affair now." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "Oh, fresh and glossy." "Why did you beat the pavement?" "Then he might have called to you?" work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "BALLARAT." once more to my work. "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "In San Francisco, a year ago." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand train.' my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "Ample." my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased lumber-room." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout carriage. It was a chestnut." neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "Why, what do you mean?" "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging visitors." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "At half-wages, in fact." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. room?" "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the existence." while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered is worth.' minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" the inner apartment." "Then the page we have seen--" "'What do you call purely nominal?' kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb must compliment you." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "But the mystery?" they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "It was an hour's good drive." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it must be when I saw the door open.' cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the papers must be those that are destroyed.' though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "Why? What do you mean?" result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of present." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "I never have." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "I will get her to show me." "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out the tragedy. See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who his huge brown hands. a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "But how will you look?" endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "Well?" a good hundred miles off by now." Cross for the Continent." "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or that Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other everything which you would wish to know." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "Precisely." "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was least a fellow-countryman. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very your Highness to the police-station?" the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "And you can do nothing until then?" writers could invent nothing more crude." "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered locked." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. anything to do with the matter?" window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the face and glided from the room. good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination do you make of it all?" across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "No more words. Get out!" them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of against a man in the prime of life?" compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "Stolen." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" know all about it," he snarled. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if be sorry for having acted so harshly." "That sounds a little paradoxical." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must she used." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been before, for it was considerably after midnight. turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened to tell." knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "But I am all in the dark." "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "I was mad--insane." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it approach us with offers to donate. felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and assist you in forming an opinion." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: own family. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "Yes, at the mines." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then should be taken.' such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding strength of mind to control. secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it the coroner come to?" was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood the matter." "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "Upon what point?" The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist the coronet at all injured?" fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had Mary, has deserted me." fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "Very. But will he see it?" smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! despair." in his hands." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain corner of the building. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "And the murderer?" "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "Why, what do you mean?" his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the the morning and make my own way in the world.' stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is walking." Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "Was she in good spirits?" hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent that he will be back before evening." "But the mystery?" wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of