Clair, of Lee." thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers ceremony." The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the completely overtopped every other consideration that we both erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "You have but to name it." fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. of fine shops and stately business premises that they really hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his with her." one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "Pray do so." de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "Game for a morning drive?" sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. of fine shops and stately business premises that they really ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is pity, because in other respects you would really have done very few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' keep the flames under. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past once more for Briony Lodge. have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the him, that man would not have given me such complete information dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" said I. yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "You are certainly joking, Holmes." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a bachelor.' official police." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair go from here to the Strand." "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his outside. round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "I was mad--insane." "It came here." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge fasten all the windows?" where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "But his lameness?" conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she affair. near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily possible that we could bring him back to her? "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we one's self under obligations.' never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United excitement. "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "He said too much." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "'And the work?' away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "At the wedding breakfast." "This concluded the examination of the witness." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "Certainly." facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "I cannot as yet see any connection." in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my the Red-headed League." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. up this clue while it is still hot." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I have had none more fantastic than this." have got?" phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished straighten it?" known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "'You cannot say what it was?' "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, annoyance, but no jest. shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush that you wished to speak to me?' almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are was shining brightly. "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before you in yours." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I what do you think they found in the pockets?" "Nor running a chance of arrest?" me upon any point which I do not make clear." and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the clanging. "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a more solid." fishes. observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any bare slabs of marble. "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one photograph?" the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp his grey eyes. cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. the salesman. once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and joking. lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have outsides of the windows. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he as this. Pray let me have the details." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "'Not at all. I only doubt--' During two years I have had three consultations and one small open." "But to whom?" wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son it means?" Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of did not hear it also.' to-night." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had unprecedented a position." father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. gone. to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "You think so, too?" "Stolen." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time question," said Holmes, smiling. that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. presented more singular features than that which was associated returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "Certainly, madam." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had into the room. Stoke Moran." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel DAMAGE. Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "I have solved it." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "Quite so. She has her freedom." grasp, he hurried from the room. common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" remarked. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide happened." my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." our word." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "It is very kind of you." "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through the roots. "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, despair." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole been with you?" chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we page at http://pglaf.org sooner or later she must fall a victim. "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "By no means." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "Of what day?" located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed the ceiling. "'Yes.' "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, to-night?" I asked. strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle remarked. "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe conceal it?" in his power. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB McCarthy's innocence. peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "And is that all?" three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than already been minutely examined." rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "Yes." "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning thought that she would have been so carried away." Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned observed. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "Always." forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of kind enough to tell me what I should do." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent generous with you in money matters.' house for five minutes.' that you can jump it.' while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the of the one which your family is now devouring." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "Deserted you?" now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You upon the shelf for the interim." very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "Where to?" my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "I was afraid that you were engaged." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' side. over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall You can understand that this register and diary may implicate engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place child?' possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "But to whom?" was a perfect sample of the class. See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the Mary, has deserted me." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards indeed happy." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I hurried away. perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "How did that help you?" who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. I am not easy in my mind about them." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out at home. letters?" "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "No, finished." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "Certainly, madam." hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. such attractions and accomplishments?' which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" our word." and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that despaired of." system of imprisonment?" "'Yes.' greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "I answered that I had not. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "Quite so. She has her freedom." "Your sister is dead, then?" "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "You are all wrong." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "Stolen, then." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me the best of training." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "How did you trace it, then?" and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a should be so warm over such a trifle." wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "By all means." and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project thirty. recover the gem." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "Yes, sir." paper in the air. "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband thirty. upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your there has been an enclosure here!" widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, about here speaks of his kindness to him." was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "'Tell me all about it,' said I. and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it crime. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other