it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "I have a cab outside." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "That was it, sir." seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "Absolutely none." away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment which it had come upon my father." footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the look upon these things in a different way." existence." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, British peeress.'" as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "I am armed." chamber." is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but one of them." can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "You are all wrong." he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely wedding?" remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the in his power. Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert the Friday. Was it to be in church?" said Mr. Holder. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from and the whole place is in a blaze." "Yesterday." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is in the dead of the night?' "Have you it here?" "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off of Mr. Rucastle's." "And why?" that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads charged with?" reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' introspective fashion. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "It was." brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the these bleak autumnal evenings." As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I trying to your nerves." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, companion. carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "I will get her to show me." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did husband's writing, madam." into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an mysterious business." de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" of your young ladies.' "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "Why did you pick him?" hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to plantation.' cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "Ample." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. to a light-house. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms fashion which was peculiar to him. "'Then let me do so?' above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should about. confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly the driver. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering the loss of it. three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." where she found matters as described by the last witness. it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have became a certainty. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." will not take me long to tell. "'Yes.' clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "Not I." then?" "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its key of the affair now." Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence the house with me." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon hand, madam?" seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, clanging. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may hand, madam?" could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. handed it to him. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "Very. But will he see it?" of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "Where did you address your letters, then?" grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a this as likely?" himself. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I matters immensely." for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H carried out of court." "Only as much as we can deduce." drawing your inferences." my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and side. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been your equipment. twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "I would pay ten." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered with her." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "It missed him, then?" purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their extraordinary contortions. "I think that it is very probable." photograph?" felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an my special province." along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he visitors." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "No." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw ceremony." are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his compunction about shooting them down." his wife has ceased to love him." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "I beg pardon." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "But you have hopes?" later, upon the night of May 2nd." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does whole matter to your consideration." "But I have heard all that you have heard." "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such over with notes and figures. on in his house." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. was used.' not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "Precisely so. But how--" violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and good-night and bustled off upon her way. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "'You cannot say what it was?' him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such I nodded to show that I had heard. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between The King stared at him in amazement. the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "Very murderous indeed." waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred papers diligently of late, have you not?" lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring been anything against him. He had for years been known as a uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last here and I will read it to you: stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "Pray let us have it, for all that." of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you views." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "'What are you doing there?' he asked. and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an the morning and make my own way in the world.' the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "I promise," said Holmes. dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never Sholtos." the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as Holmes. sooner or later she must fall a victim. with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "But how?" "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "An enemy?" "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his green of the new foliage. "And help." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, Sutherland. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "Absolutely none." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it electronic works as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when and glanced through. train.' or other trace. But how on earth--" "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "Yes." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' know what is wrong with it.' Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "Who was the criminal, then?" believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his appeared upon the scene." matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees there when the Rucastles went away." continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes help us in this matter." that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said him." 'please.'" my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "Certainly." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "What, then, did Peterson do?" worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "On Monday." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab spark where all is dark to me." brought there to personate someone, and the real person is did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "'Ample.' which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." what I may call a really hard day's work." time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the existence." brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "You horrify me!" "What?" bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. of it with the greatest attention. for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No yards of it?' "'Very good.' lumber-room." has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on tapping his fingers upon the table. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "And how did you find out?" "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us hour?' "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project weapon." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay in a very precise fashion." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what entirely devoid of interest." upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "Really! You surprise me." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from straighten it?" "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," Holmes. that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "You are hungry," I remarked. and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "What, then?" "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl.