"Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "The rest you will leave in our hands." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple hard-headed British jury." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who good-night and bustled off upon her way. was a loud and authoritative tap. While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' whether it answered to the description of any of their Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. already referred to. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "How did you trace it, then?" news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. unprecedented a position." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "'As governess?' with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" along the entire front of the house, with three long windows meant." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It events, Mr. Windibank!" already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to congratulate you again." thin legs towards the fire. "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Come in!" said Holmes. anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. assist you in forming an opinion." this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an introspective fashion. He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "Deserted you?" which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an enter Dr. Roylott's room." not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' over with notes and figures. prove to be little relation between the different incidents of Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "No, finished." education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "Yes, it was twisted." monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "'Not at all. I only doubt--' point in the dark hollow of his hand. unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My dead, shall be safe with us." had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his the Assizes." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little residence of the great financier. Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No chill to my heart. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "'What, the red-headed man?' "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on bird I ate is country bred." can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this the stable lane now." was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "I beg pardon." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Pray do so." "'I am sure that I do not know.' held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the society." before the coroner and the police-court." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may Have you good authority for what you say?" days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line distinguish the words: reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside to-night." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "Where is it, then?" wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "That also I could fathom." quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "Your sister is dead, then?" wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with keep the flames under. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had father's place of business?" better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "You forget that I know nothing about it." I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. one's self under obligations.' "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk was lame." it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from disappearance of these gems?" have an American origin." go--none." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so mystery may be cleared along those lines." "Do you go out much in society?" thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "And what did you learn from him?" public press." I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a the running down." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which rose-bushes. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled long narrative. and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "Certainly." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. shag which I had seen upon the previous night. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite may have an influence upon European history." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only the ceiling. "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over new acquaintance to Baker Street. "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over furiously. paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all James Windibank. Voilà tout!" least a fellow-countryman. passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond troubles have been weighing upon his mind. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. guilty parties." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "'It is locked up,' I answered. and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing compunction about shooting them down." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you who was a member of your goose club." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low to some other building. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I wall." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. enter Dr. Roylott's room." son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that been." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, useful material for showing traces. The double line a little to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "My own seal." "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came arrangements." suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. vanished into the darkness. during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to not come at once?" several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "Then how many are there?" took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained to-morrow." simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he said I. slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "'Most admirably.' have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to go back?" "Then I shall certainly come." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "I should wish to." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "'Yes, it was gone.' "9th. McCauley cleared. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the simple cases which are so extremely difficult." every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "I assure you that I am in your hands." "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to the room while you explain this matter?" showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. my special province." In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have thin legs towards the fire. "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were been anything against him. He had for years been known as a grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," companion quietly. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of the station." "Then I can wait in the next room." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his gone before you can get him to hospital." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "I cannot as yet see any connection." "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "And on what day did he meet his death?" did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out death." me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "Precisely so. But how--" the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to morning." with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "But your client--" first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "'Ten to two.' ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "When did she vanish, then?" "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the call you and give you the chance." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had do.' throat." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "And is that all?" started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss child?' geese which you supplied to the Alpha." giving me time to thank him. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" might help us?" something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "Yes." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry your bag." "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "That is it on the dressing-table." "'There is a drive, then?' association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors this man was intellectual?" has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. ordinary clothes on?" other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "It is his hat." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "It is very kind of you." highroad, where all traces were lost. that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "You have the photograph?" conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "But what is it you wish?" however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "No." "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. to miss it." to have been novel and of interest." permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear on re-entering her father's house?" and I shall be with you presently." "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would my special province." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, I was concerned in it." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "Certainly." took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "From his hat?" "It surprised me." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was it." in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his crowd. cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man right! Sit down and let us talk it over." comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a