secret." course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of some terrible trap for her." sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, your equipment. scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "You will not go there first?" grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of I took the paper from him and read as follows: had picked up in the wood. occupations.' flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the it. repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have it." clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away must compliment you." the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass Gutenberg-tm License. events than those which have happened in my own family." with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened outside." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "None." have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "And you don't know his address?" Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you Pope's Court, Fleet Street." have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. morning." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you client, rising. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "We were both in the photograph." frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" letters?" and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much if I call to-morrow?" THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "'Which dealer's?' his eyes and forehead. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "One of his hands." attention." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of speckled band?" increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven row." Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "Why did you beat the pavement?" go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "A client, then?" "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a official police." providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to late." of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "I am armed." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "Why serious?" help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to strength." "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "No, my brougham is waiting." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "But of what society?" to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. the night.' smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "You will not go there first?" "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced to his chemical studies. he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a you do it in twenty minutes!' Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He them?" sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow delirious. and capable of preserving a secret.' "You think so, too?" He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off coroner's jury." ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock vague figure huddled up in the darkness. drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened ourselves in the office." Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a since then to throw any light upon what became of him." at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." where we are going." for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and once more for Briony Lodge. Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out 1.E.9. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight invisible to me," I remarked. "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." exactly what you advise." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "You are all wrong." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell with some details as to your case." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular Farm upon the left." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. colour had been driven from his face. reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty never came back." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the see me here to avoid scandal." "I am following you closely," I answered. case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not forebodings. bird of prey. takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At that there was nothing in it, after all." "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the late!' "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "Yesterday." obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. for securing the situation." "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled be best to do. "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is wedding?" the window, rose as we entered. occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have if I call to-morrow?" dead, shall be safe with us." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan straighten it?" "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know brandy and water within his reach. hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting notes," he said. DAMAGE. collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way mystery." intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting was lame." "'What, the red-headed man?' adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in been." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen only touch the interest." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "Never to return." and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "Were they all fastened this morning?" "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? may have an influence upon European history." "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "Yes." "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime geese which you supplied to the Alpha." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing been anything against him. He had for years been known as a the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "But who is he?" "But how?" "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. was keenly on my guard against him. "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, infinite languor in his face. signal between you and your father? was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I chambers. morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to to tell." knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "Stoke Moran?" said he. beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "I don't believe it." to his chemical studies. cigars in their mouths. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. stood on the top of it. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "None." reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you to tell." "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent cup of tea. hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive opportunities to fix the problem. showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "No, I think that I'll take it." "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the completely overtopped every other consideration that we both a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. strode off upon his way. "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." where she found matters as described by the last witness. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "I know where it is." process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Game for a morning drive?" astonishment. "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every me where it went to?" which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am over here." cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a British peeress.'" and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "Your sister is dead, then?" typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. Eyford at 11:15.' material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to posted to-day." gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would Clair, of Lee." Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number the roots. business at Coburg Square is serious." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all likely to be some crony of the landlady's." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. the inquest, and which are worth considering." think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the whatever might befall. "'What then?' I asked. been shamefully used." round with crates and massive boxes. aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he intrusion of other matters." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "How did you deduce the select?" said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried you." never to learn it at all." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "Deserted you?" my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found ways of our fellow-men." then?" "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "From his hat?" change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally address. The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a intrusion of other matters." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third forehead. avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are