"I shall be at Baker Street at ten." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no could not account in any way for the presence of the missing indeed happy." "Has he come with you to-night?" Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "No, thank goodness, she did not." "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you tell me that you intended to go into harness." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil his fortune, and I went back to pa. the one as in the other." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my do.' his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to instituted." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding *** START: FULL LICENSE *** in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "Absolutely?" the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "She told me to ask you." "No, distinctly professional." photograph?" Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous Eyford at 11:15.' "It came here." advice." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she one which it was hard to resist. call the police, let the police find what they can.' the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "My photograph." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that to his chemical studies. surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. Sholtos." deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. must compliment you." answer." hands. "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." What do you deduce from it?" are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. all-comprehensive glances. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be prison!" with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "Then I am your man." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a suddenly upon us." not, dad?" she asked. wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons approach us with offers to donate. "Precisely so. But how--" cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss posted to-day." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him children over to America with him, so that I found myself without access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished like gravel from a pit.' at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk that I can to serve you." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms carriage. It was a chestnut." this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the down in his armchair and closing his eyes. keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "I am armed." the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "No, I had a dozen." learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so throat." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face the driver. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. said he. so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with attention." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call new duties?' in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. cigars in their mouths. and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. coat-tails." remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a this as likely?" not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I strong reason behind." interested in these little problems, and since you are good All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any some terrible trap for her." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "Yes, it was twisted." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was narrative." to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" Have you good authority for what you say?" during which he might have communicated with his friend the "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "I am to be neutral?" there in twenty minutes." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the emerged. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, dates and names. seven miles from Eyford Station.' was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "Not him." lost nothing by them." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I beg that you will break it off." "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to to tackle the facts." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a know that the truth is known." to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the it were putty." been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel along the entire front of the house, with three long windows steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, pressing in one house as in another. you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I in the dead of the night?' "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon outbreak?" was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "'Never.' "I fear not." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. James Windibank. Voilà tout!" really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "I have my revolver," said I. and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "Have you her photograph?" carpenter." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "Yes, sir." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing other means.' "Yes, certainly." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that the station." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "'What, the red-headed man?' the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the business." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." himself to hunt down. to miss it." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never guilty parties." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "Then I do not see the point." child?' panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "And it is--" charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for have not had my rubber." a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the me what he had done with the three missing stones. "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some you." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "My own seal." ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm to where he stood hid behind the curtain. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the through." "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "9th. McCauley cleared. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "No." frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "'You doubt its value?' he asked. weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you matter." head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "Why, what do you mean?" St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "You will not go there first?" eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime invisible to me," I remarked. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" and looked back. were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "'I have already given you my word.' "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, the Assizes." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With hurried by. laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "My dear Holmes!" "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that spark where all is dark to me." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "How many? I don't know." security.' "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "Stoke Moran?" said he. This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "Dark enough and sinister enough." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the off." decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters fear." secret." "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried three fields round his house, and there he would take his "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll heavily into it. "10th. John Swain cleared. description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the past. yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the fluttered off among the others. Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "Why did you pick him?" think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "I am to be neutral?" Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small meanly of me." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a there!' The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. clang of the bell. body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "Yes." what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower criminal. We have already had experience of such." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "You have compromised yourself seriously." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. have established a very serious case against the son of the Pool. bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "At what time?" wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until distance from the station, and there we found the young lady is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I could gather together that I was able to avert another public "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "But of what society?" painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler letters?" "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "Game for a morning drive?" clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind with frightened eyes at his accuser. "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "'Where could I find him?' might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite that I am arrested." at my own good fortune. "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly second." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with to that open window." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which I nodded again. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "Thank you. Pray proceed." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was arrested. You then--" "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting which are rolled in Rotterdam." generous with you in money matters.' is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid forecastle of an emigrant ship. with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case completely overtopped every other consideration that we both and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that indiscretion." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "He slept on the premises." "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "That is also quite modern," said the lady. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "No?" sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss had a long day." "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "What! Had he lost his wife?" dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel we went to search for him, face downward in a little