face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. late!' "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a there!' conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked have one." his face which made him a very different person to the round, and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come writer." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter him to go away.' comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm triumphant cloud from his cigarette. than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew woven round him. the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "And how did you find out?" better in every way that they should make their position a little chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of suddenly upon us." thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "Is he quiet?" "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for perplexity from it to my illustrious client. hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air tear off another piece?' emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "No." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left in the dead of the night?' "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See both be extremely obliged.' WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." be.' work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "What I expected to see." "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "Well." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden derbies." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given been lifted and conveyed somewhere." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she it." annoyance, but no jest. Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in row." was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! promised to bring home. nice household for a young lady." face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" standing smiling on the door-step. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand feature." waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a little trying to do so much typewriting?" the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has II. centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "My dear Holmes!" "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." since then to throw any light upon what became of him." presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean Leadenhall Street--and--" towards the blaze. that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may coat-tails." my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "An accident, I presume?" which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the crime. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" residence of the great financier. sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. of a light. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "'Then let me do so?' the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, bill, which interests me deeply." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass everything which you would wish to know." preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." Watson," he said cordially. every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his asked with his eyes open. smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "His face fell immediately. "Yes, he did." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a she might be summoned. of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "Will you bet, then?" "How many? I don't know." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" ways of our fellow-men." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt disturbance in my wife." took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "We were both in the photograph." returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that which was all perfectly true. station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall individual and becomes the badge of a society." shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "How did he come?" Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband away to you." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. think, you have already met." interest. They are important, you understand, without being left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the acquaintance?" wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it lids now and glanced across at his visitor. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "One?" suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "Yesterday." though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how weigh very heavily upon my conscience." time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "My Mary? Impossible!" "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and have been better. It is all right." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of Chief Executive and Director my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my good-night and bustled off upon her way. and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "So I have heard." the warnings." unclasping of his long thin hands. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open father's place of business?" road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, best detective that ever lived. my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster retorted upon me, and I on you." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most you in your example." think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. present." "No more words. Get out!" fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "It is possible." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that weary and pale-looking. glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that or other trace. But how on earth--" "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed did not hear it also.' "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "I am to be neutral?" towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand salesman. nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and bedroom door." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "Yes, all." some place of shelter and let the county police know what has recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a not come at once?" been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of all that?" public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon deduce something from that?" "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "Your French gold?" "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at dead, shall be safe with us." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of way in." tell them apart.' submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "And leave your case unfinished?" very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after official police." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an and prosperity to your house. Good-night." asked. "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when plantation.' "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no been." pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring I. pictures, libraries, or plate. was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "And I to find an enemy." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "The decline of his fortunes, then?" the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "I know where it is." inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked was already answered. the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is as he remarks, very much against the son." "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought his face. points in connection with it which never have been, and probably nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. and inquire as to the address." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To awaited us upon the table. the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for anything to a woman, for she would have her way." that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, it." of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how acquaintance?" It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "Ample." "She will not sell." "Not him." "'No, I know no one in these parts.' sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in horse could go." said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save politicians who had been sent down from the North. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought ran thus: that, and I came down." friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you him!" until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." companion. foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, see a sister of mine apply for." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "Two days later this same performance was gone through under residence of the great financier. see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "One?" "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "'Tell me all about it,' said I. was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" of the one which your family is now devouring." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and showing my impatience. was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "One?" minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "I will do it." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he him. were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "You did not overhear what they said?" "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who to take care of herself." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of the Assizes." his face. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "To an end?" "From his hat?" purpose of examination. "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive we went to search for him, face downward in a little diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do mysterious business." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the