other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "You heard nothing yourself last night?" reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' You want to know what became of those geese?" clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when in your London, you will know that the office of the company is girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "You think so, too?" reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside call you and give you the chance." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were was used.' not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "'I have heard so.' along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be means taking possession of that which another person has a prior drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "It was." "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "'Certainly,' I answered. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." any more." I took the paper from him and read as follows: feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes Munro.' "But you would not advise me to refuse?" and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "Here?" morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at more solid." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "ARAT," I read. widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up sound at heart." girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to hair?' is now desirous of getting those letters back." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "Upon what point?" "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to The police have openly confessed that they can at present make He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were face and glided from the room. "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of through." The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "And how have you succeeded?" fish-monger and a tide-waiter." from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "Of Friday, June 19th." "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen quickly through a disagreeable task. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry way in." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "What! Had he lost his wife?" the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out off." the stones. glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and corner of the building. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need went to the Alpha were town bred." morning." for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be went to the Alpha were town bred." "I have solved it." preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "And it is--" the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had over here." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in have been better. It is all right." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each been able to understand it, in a very few words. seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "Yes." active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." views." "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are one of them." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or Foundation the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming sufficient punishment." somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "I am armed." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass anything to do with the matter?" clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his stammered. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, question. deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "'And what are they worth?' I asked. scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. grasp, he hurried from the room. you." What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the showing my impatience. passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "Did he not advertise?" salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and for securing the situation." was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "I cannot tell." chill to my heart. my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "What are they?" instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the morning." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "Come in!" said he. thirty. "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." father's young wife. urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "Well." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking formed some opinion?" it means?" recover the gem." "Then he might have called to you?" reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "I answered that I had not. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable his face which made him a very different person to the round, landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to clang of the bell. "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, brought there to personate someone, and the real person is power." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those go from here to the Strand." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your place, I think that there is good ground to think that the was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "Then he might have called to you?" "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken interests were the same as his." the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been that I can to serve you." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. for and were ordered to this address. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, attention." "She will not sell." "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible gone before you can get him to hospital." In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "Yes." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "Of what day?" 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the the ceiling. hands. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as late!' will take you up to see the machine.' Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "Did you observe the colour?" "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "'Certainly,' I answered. postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day to change my dress. case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "The vanishing of the lady." hour?' it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's Lee, in the county of Kent." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his dead, shall be safe with us." daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up in this note: the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with address. family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "Imitated." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "You have the photograph?" in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them said he at last. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "No legal papers or certificates?" your most interesting statement." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried take the flies, but not before." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "I promise," said Holmes. footfalls from the street. make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I humiliation." if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. fait accompli?" body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I that you can jump it.' "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, out." "Then I do not see the point." be.' caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "Witness: Nothing definite. "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he Miss Holder?" blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "Just look it up, then." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all said I. voice. "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have from the brougham. McCarthy." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' at my own good fortune. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for in a friendly supper." "I do." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the neither fascinating nor artistic." that?' was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not for and were ordered to this address. questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, desk. eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" light and attacked it." "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your some city in a dream. staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea his cane at the bell-pull. my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "'I shall certainly be there.' which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He bachelor.' for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the nights." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment hour." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something you." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as of the efforts of the United States government and of the better Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from garden below. Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." interested in these little problems, and since you are good the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "I have come for advice." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder.