did not hear it also.' spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "It is to him that this trophy belongs." never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "But he might be a bachelor." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me 'please.'" convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. His smile broadened. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "Certainly." rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow compunction about shooting them down." but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "But how?" Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "And your mother is alive?" "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn address. husband's writing, madam." before the coroner and the police-court." villagers almost as much as their master. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this pierced for earrings?" it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "How did you deduce the select?" "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, formed some opinion?" "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and trying to your nerves." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got late." events, Mr. Windibank!" always that they were such commands as a lady might with "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have him nearly every evening." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has stood on the top of it. first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. you." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" III. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "Was there a secret marriage?" question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his stalked out of the room. "And you thought he was pulled back?" "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "Then what has happened to him?" gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the returned to France?" horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "To the police?" the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "Can I be of assistance?" "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "'Yes, I promise.' The summons was a brief and urgent one. was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "Texas, I think." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he It was close upon four before the door opened, and a was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your conclusions. typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a II. derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" room had already been engaged for us. the bottom.' "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "'Where could I find him?' voice, changing her seat as requested. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. in your London, you will know that the office of the company is and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "There are none." how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which likely to be some crony of the landlady's." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. washing it down with a long draught of water. "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That off." a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first Again Holmes raved in the air. round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in cup of tea. which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. habit of advancing money.' assist you in forming an opinion." awkward doing business with an alias." tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is you." begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been directly by questioning you." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "'Why that?' I asks. which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a point in the dark hollow of his hand. "Yes." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "And why in hopes?" own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "It is true that I have been generally successful." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." residence of the great financier. was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback never will be, entirely cleared up. acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him was feeling which was the fattest.' has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are Street. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we interests were the same as his." "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "I answered that I had not. dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington promised to bring home. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country bell. Holmes whistled. are windows in it, of course?" coat-tails." drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, people don't know." then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his drove away. because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our unprofitable." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately wedding?" coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the if she died from some sudden fright." wanted for ourselves." retorted upon me, and I on you." of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "When did she vanish, then?" who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "And why?" out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "'Is purely nominal.' gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of how narrow had been my escape. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. entirely lost his self-respect." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "But you were on a friendly footing?" these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, floor. presented more singular features than that which was associated chill to my heart. "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself be.' the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away unclasping of his long thin hands. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. leaning back in his chair. other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the Arthur Conan Doyle in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in charged with?" "Did you observe the colour?" with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "On your arm?" some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, sound at heart." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, them present such singular features as the strange train of this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "Perhaps I have." so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "Really! You surprise me." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, strength." force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, throat." "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "And did you observe any change in her then?" hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "I see no marks." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main geese which you supplied to the Alpha." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "That is also quite modern," said the lady. out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "Yes." "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "You have a clue?" "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to envelope. one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "Yes." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got if only as a check to my own memory." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I at my own good fortune. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in to arrive at through this?" high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" not fit the lock." the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You and that he would see to anything that turned up. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom how narrow had been my escape. "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a Heh?' 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have relation between them, and what the object of his repeated I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in look dissatisfied." Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. present strange and interesting features that it is no easy by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom the house with me." it." cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I walking." bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "But you can know nothing of this?" I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "Married! When?" quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my any more." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "Why, it's a dummy," said he. very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "Have you her photograph?" "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have made his money." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and nights." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs straightened it out again. thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "And I to find an enemy." down in his armchair and closing his eyes. I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had locked. not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner of your young ladies.' gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "Yes, certainly." uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news washing it down with a long draught of water. and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some advice." agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he in one or two places in England?' least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "Well, it is a possible supposition." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable photograph?" certainly do as you advise." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "'A dozen yards or so.' man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his bare slabs of marble. ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." the stable lane now." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am as this. Pray let me have the details." annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "It goes to the housekeeper's room." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "Yes, from Horsham." and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "Never." doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows few hundred pounds.' It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side bell. Holmes whistled. "His face fell immediately. Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project really the only notable feature about the thing." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "What are they?" "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "'You doubt its value?' he asked. Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us open." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down best detective that ever lived. "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the if only as a check to my own memory." How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to