jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "My opinion is in no way altered." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a such person." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom companion imperturbably. very morning of my second wedding." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an a few minutes he said that it would be all right. to-morrow." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at feature." "And on what day did he meet his death?" "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "Can I be of assistance?" strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old said he, "my real name is James Ryder." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. some city in a dream. stepfather?" Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any might help us?" photograph?" the running down." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a quite distinctive." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I possible that we could bring him back to her? "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster had no one to advise her at such a crisis." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "ARAT," I read. be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': me. You must get home instantly and act." "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his up this clue while it is still hot." has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "No?" time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was fattened it expressly for you.' Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against awaited us upon the table. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by not within a twentieth part of the market price." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "And did you observe any change in her then?" will not take me long to tell. morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "You have carte blanche." Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have the Assizes." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek answered with a sidelong glance. Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, peculiar to him. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for in darkness. admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "And from a noble client?" Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I good-night and bustled off upon her way. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with that the gas is not laid on in his house?" have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat both be extremely obliged.' a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the face and glided from the room. The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "I fear not." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "My photograph." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "What of the rat, then?" already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that the little opening for the ventilator is." the Assizes." very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he some place of shelter and let the county police know what has which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." This is what he says: some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any must be when I saw the door open.' remarked. For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "Where is it, then?" before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was daring than any effort of the imagination." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "You did not overhear what they said?" "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite do.' side. entirely devoid of interest." smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And During two years I have had three consultations and one small in. breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "What of the rat, then?" "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, question you as to those details which seem to me to be most was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "Well, some hundreds of times." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "What steps will you take?" I asked. think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring think, you have already met." "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands the side-table." imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to leaning back in his chair. as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over was shining brightly. Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "Have you her photograph?" "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster of receipt of the work. "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended the loss of it. "Yes, that is the Crown." were new raised from a basin. presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "It is possible." Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, security.' tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' might help us?" "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the strength of mind to control. Holmes' room. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting matters immensely." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There singular points about the case. What did the police think of the every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into The summons was a brief and urgent one. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, I approached. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as your only hope of safety." in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "Was she in good spirits?" remarked. to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "Well." can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "I think that it is very probable." which our visitor detailed to us. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a will be renamed. "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew secret." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "Yes, it was twisted." condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he were new raised from a basin. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in Serpentine Avenue. my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "No." "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." wedding?" "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "At the wedding breakfast." "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir all that?" "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions enough to aid us in our search." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You Stoke Moran." "Come in!" said Holmes. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "Just look it up, then." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek forbidden door. your co-operation." few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there felt?" skylight. one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "But his lameness?" company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "'Yes, I promise.' anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "He is dead," cried several voices. make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. were unconscious?" "But we can't all be." husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man people don't know." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "Pray do so." opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest the running down." entirely lost his self-respect." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew maiden herself was most instructive." "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "Yes?" elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "Witness: It was. have accepted such a situation. "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "9th. McCauley cleared. "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the washing it down with a long draught of water. "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "Now, then, what's the last entry?" than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of any." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a the Friday. Was it to be in church?" having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "How many? I don't know." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang carriage. It was a chestnut." plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "Yes, all." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up ourselves in the office." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "Yes, only one." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to the nursery. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and someone who had been in Australia." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another would then never go into court at all." bell. Holmes whistled. tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to for the market.' But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are one's self under obligations.' "'Entirely.' than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I round with crates and massive boxes. Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" started for the Temple to see my husband. at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite ran thus: the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion the stones. his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to to Leatherhead. my little problems." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." bearing upon the case." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "'You cannot say what it was?' The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is without a word or a look. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "Never." test if we have an answer to our advertisement." has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "What! Had he lost his wife?" comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best shoulder; "he's all right." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. which was all perfectly true. and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "Really! You surprise me." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy said I. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with