point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, interested in these little problems, and since you are good by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found yet." copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he little trying to do so much typewriting?" "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there back into the street. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "What!" he roared. "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "Yesterday." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left where Mr. Fordham shows you.' as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the vanished into the darkness. should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "'I have already given you my word.' you." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We cheerful." garden below. possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people that the gas is not laid on in his house?" remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "Not particularly." "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "Was your sister dressed?" little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried me have 200 pounds?' the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "And how?" and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "How are you getting on?" the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always cost them two and thirty pounds." fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made never came back." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with is acting for the best. see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the yourselves in at night?" "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the breakfast." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), I leave." "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a strength." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included beg that you will break it off." you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of arrangements." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "Dirty?" in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we minor matters until to-morrow." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "'And the work?' made him keep the appointment." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man important." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense matters immensely." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me matter." from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the success. that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the round with crates and massive boxes. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the child?' bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On him. foot. events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. deduce something from that?" his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "Imitated." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility problems help me to do so." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "But your client--" "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "Then, as to money?" together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is Clair, of Lee." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite allusion to a rat. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached beg that you will break it off." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "Very truly yours, "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "Tired-looking or fresh?" business." door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "He said too much." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have leaning back in his chair. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "It is to him that this trophy belongs." handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "The knees of his trousers." folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here narrative." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered fashion which was peculiar to him. clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual done what I asked you, Jones?" including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts have been better. It is all right." derbies." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand unkempt, staring out at me. charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "Can I be of assistance?" handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the derbies." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the this poor creature." "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose you want, then?' "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "Eh? What was that?" instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "How are you getting on?" With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when Pope's Court. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that conversation I have gathered that they have been married about Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is to have that photograph." lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and presume?" allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or there when the Rucastles went away." "Was there a secret marriage?" effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would and glanced through. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but events than those which have happened in my own family." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal fuss that is made over them." to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before more solid." its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "That is also quite modern," said the lady. far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." that he will be back before evening." Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "But he might be a bachelor." said he. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had 'please.'" process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "What are they?" you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "But how could you guess what the motive was?" gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter flock.' look dissatisfied." affair. "One of the highest in England." whole matter to your consideration." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "Yes, sir." "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "You have it, sir, just as it happened." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were this truth that in these little records of our cases which you friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his amused." even of instruction." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this matter over." to take care of herself." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, the station." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "Frequently." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of think, you have already met." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "'Then let me do so?' "Very much so." here and I will read it to you: up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "The landlord of the Alpha." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then fait accompli?" making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "Thank you. Pray proceed." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save sentimental considerations in the background which would induce discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there he bowed and left the room without another word. to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." call you and give you the chance." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "Nothing." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never strength of mind to control. "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from Stoke Moran." more terrible than the truth. "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his look dissatisfied." the Red-headed League." "'And the work?' a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather bed dies. Does not that strike you?" returned to France?" man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to cup of tea. leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from the coronet in his hand?" that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a point in the dark hollow of his hand. where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal assist you in forming an opinion." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "Pray continue your narrative." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "You horrify me." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no absorbing." "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "And from a noble client?" "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "My dear Holmes!" doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty where we are going." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand reach." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "My last client of the sort was a king." wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage