It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his should be taken.' bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "That is it on the dressing-table." to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in been with you?" "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a The summons was a brief and urgent one. down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "None." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite come either from the window or the door. My attention was whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An bird I ate is country bred." should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I the warnings." relief. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "A greater distance to travel." details." "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It girl said." completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not the side-table." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. desk. and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and when your master had gone out." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, off." pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance to change my dress. handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "Certainly, madam." "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have with you alone." from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a with the outside air!" I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," ready to-morrow?' "And did you observe any change in her then?" incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A papers on the sundial.'" get her out of the way." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and not, dad?" she asked. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "A client, then?" walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on Pool. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and shall use the carriage to-night." money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, passage and a tap at the door. the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. amused." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each means taking possession of that which another person has a prior elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in it. branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a indeed happy." own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. room had already been engaged for us. "Ah!" him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "No, I think that I'll take it." "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual when you have done it." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "Proceed, then." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "A client, then?" breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "And who is her maid?" approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your affection." The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring arrested. You then--" "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now Serpentine Avenue. "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a and your relations to her." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which train from Paddington which would bring you there at about were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, question. for its centre. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his during that time.' "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp hour." her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "Yes, all." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I ways including including checks, online payments and credit card unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. may never be exposed to such a temptation." o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "I am in hopes that she does." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." letters?" while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before had died away into the silence from which it rose. that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." to have that photograph." as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled next day. say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "Texas, I think." constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not present." he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving before the coroner and the police-court." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or room. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my as the one I chose?' general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "My dear Holmes!" "Yes, the wine-cellar." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "Very much so." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "I say it is." "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always that there was nothing in it, after all." "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door true." shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then voice, changing her seat as requested. my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open DISSOLVED. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard system of imprisonment?" at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be and shall probably return to London by the evening train." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "Of what?" Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the never came back." the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "None." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in read over the extraordinary announcement. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not goes." the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "Thank you. And your address?" "None." where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate important." sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many since then to throw any light upon what became of him." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "My private note-paper." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "I see many objections to any such theory." I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the shoulder. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in Heh?' "'Yes, sir.' "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, garden below. "Ten will be early enough." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Well, some hundreds of times." "Look there!" said he. purpose of examination. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he chambers. slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "The vanishing of the lady." "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray companion. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of some water from a caraffe. estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress John Swain, of St. Augustine. money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, you." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "You are certainly joking, Holmes." shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was him nearly every evening." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "Nor running a chance of arrest?" the night.' accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to as this. Pray let me have the details." the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. works. Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "'Yes, it was gone.' If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." true." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "'I have heard so.' "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "Not I." whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." his fortune, and I went back to pa. often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. presented which may be striking and bizarre without being most important business. It is probable that he will be away all his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a that I may have something better before very many minutes are but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "But his left-handedness." is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an cigars in their mouths. "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "Did your wife hear all this?" it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "'Yes, sir.' which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. what I may call a really hard day's work." "It must be recovered." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his been deceived." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a face and glided from the room. months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, infinite languor in his face. the window, rose as we entered. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set room. from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a occupations.' I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and DISSOLVED. gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during questioning and rather startled gaze. near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in redistribution. here and I will read it to you: toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "None." "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, this Miss Turner." and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "Very. But will he see it?" "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which forecastle of an emigrant ship. foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will definite end. "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from individual and becomes the badge of a society." was once confined in the cab my mission was practically common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, minor matters until to-morrow." do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly there were one or two details which were new to me. But the and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone