"No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. hard-headed British jury." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" relation between them, and what the object of his repeated said he. better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my The King stared at him in amazement. some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, was a loud and authoritative tap. here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the to a light-house. Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has but preventing her from injuring another. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by comes from the middle window." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Yes." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "Well." "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with will not take me long to tell. transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that threw himself down with his face to the pillow. bears upon the case?" breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always it? Did I buy the geese off you?" continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "Where to?" The King stared at him in amazement. a good hundred miles off by now." refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent McCarthy's innocence. Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "Eh? What was that?" chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "Witness: It was. "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy been with you?" happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, it." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in promised to bring home. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, had a long day." go back?" knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "Where to?" I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might fasten all the windows?" serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you to-morrow." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the the child." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "I assure you that I am in your hands." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given of fine shops and stately business premises that they really was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "Certainly, madam." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." whatever might befall. "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a or other trace. But how on earth--" waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for direction." One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "Not in a good cause." "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" instincts rose up against that laugh. "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind appeal." upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "But how?" "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have mystery." of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, daring than any effort of the imagination." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of bachelor.' singular points about the case. What did the police think of the swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to noble correspondent could be. extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "'What then?' I asked. crackling voice. and effective." grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, happened." thirty. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, is," said he presently: "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "No more words. Get out!" he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "Frequently." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "Yes, certainly." done what I asked you, Jones?" pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting conclusions. Pope's Court. the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "What then?" this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "Not in the least." present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "By all means." "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. During two years I have had three consultations and one small suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "I say that I have solved it." which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the was not a bird to be seen there. no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it few hundred pounds.' information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "It is solved." "I have seen the police." "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. it." sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "How do you know, then?" into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from Serpentine Avenue. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, Again Holmes raved in the air. The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "I answered that I had not. protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, have accepted such a situation. "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that awkward doing business with an alias." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "Always." remarked. "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my my former friend and companion. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with this man was intellectual?" "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the him, that man would not have given me such complete information father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was not use it unless it is absolutely needed." Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "That was it, sir." "Did you become engaged then?" was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "Stoke Moran?" said he. gigantic client. weary and pale-looking. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "And why?" coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." allusion to a rat. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "The doctor?" called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe stalked out of the room. beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Yes, I have one waiting." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the business." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence overpowering excitement and concern. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "And you don't know his address?" could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put question," said Holmes, smiling. lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook drove away. Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It bell. Holmes whistled. upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation fishes. explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece paper in the air. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not was it brought him the coronet? foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had is acting for the best. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed his wife has ceased to love him." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "If I can be of use." "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became persecution?" remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of papers diligently of late, have you not?" "At the wedding breakfast." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police Eyford at 11:15.' which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is attention." could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you chill to my heart. Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "'Yes, it was gone.' but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." locked. "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens gigantic client. superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking disappearance of these gems?" of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried rose-bushes. "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." astonishment. Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was chair. "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See imbecility!" he cried. has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity village inn over there?" have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. congenial hunt. at my own good fortune. imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock McCarthy's innocence. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your go from here to the Strand." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "An enemy?" and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where Cross for the Continent." the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to within hail.' were new raised from a basin. caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "I cannot imagine." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a telegram would bring me down to your help." ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith the coronet in his hands?" difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter *** START: FULL LICENSE *** tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her beg that you will break it off." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "Yes, he did." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "You saw the ventilator, too?" away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at character. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to crime." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and late." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while in darkness. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which best detective that ever lived. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your four million human beings all jostling each other within the McCarthy." One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "'No, I know no one in these parts.'