and put his glass in his pocket. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "When did she vanish, then?" "I would pay ten." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I which was all perfectly true. "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "Thank you. And your address?" week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "Yes." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, the bottom.' "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" never will be, entirely cleared up. window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "Yes." "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "And is that all?" Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of later, upon the night of May 2nd." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "What do you mean?" vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "Game for a morning drive?" "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass key of the affair now." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa unclasping of his long thin hands. suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a sparkled upon his finger. "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the cigars in the box." minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was was shining brightly. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "At the wedding breakfast." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "No sign of it?" "If so, much may have happened between." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could will find little credit to be gained out of this case." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of tell him that I know him to be innocent." thought that she would have been so carried away." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the arrested. You then--" shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my taking in every detail of the apartment. Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "'I have heard so.' Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you the stable lane now." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other written, and locked the door of the office after me. during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "A client, then?" matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he at a side door. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. would apply.' "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "Your French gold?" matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation gone. tell me that you intended to go into harness." your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily without success. At last the little money which I had saved began most important business. It is probable that he will be away all but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "It came here." Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I fat-encircled eyes. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs again on its way. deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, his cane at the bell-pull. They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "Not yet." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But page at http://pglaf.org "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' so far?" conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she bears upon the case?" waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be already referred to. Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "No sign of it?" him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, client, rising. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and never came back." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during companion. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "What!" he roared. remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is wedding?" "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" written. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or His name is Francis Prosper." in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "That is easily got." desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down criminal. We have already had experience of such." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting done what I asked you, Jones?" sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep key of the affair now." "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem have I gained?" wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was and all of them with the keenest interest. swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I all?" the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately unclasping of his long thin hands. every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "My own seal." He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "I don't believe it." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the and have this put in the evening papers." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "'Stolen!' he cried. Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, mystery may be cleared along those lines." heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, forbidden door. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which arrested. You then--" Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, third from London." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, point in the dark hollow of his hand. to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the think you a quite exceptional woman." noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I tear off another piece?' "Yesterday." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "Pray do so." came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers to change my dress. sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her it with his own hands." "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be certainly do as you advise." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be nice household for a young lady." excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "But how?" "Then how many are there?" it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "It is solved." "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming and the colonel ushered me in. above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. him to go away.' which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under kindly on the shoulder. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Why serious?" overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. key of the affair now." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and for the market.' prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this pierced for earrings?" wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "It is half-past ten now." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who but preventing her from injuring another. Count Von Kramm." "I should wish to." "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed of Fenchurch Street." "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I rose-bushes. daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. little trying to do so much typewriting?" age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "I see many objections to any such theory." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the and I shall be with you presently." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "Have you it here?" massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "That is not always so easy." you give your casting vote to?" Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, business." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended The police have openly confessed that they can at present make sofa. This way, please!" troubles have been weighing upon his mind. Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. fattened it expressly for you.' to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "You have carte blanche." running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "But what is it you wish?" signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "You are hungry," I remarked. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had The telegram which we eventually received came late one night have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his success. as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "The decline of his fortunes, then?" been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "What of the rat, then?" "You know me, then?" bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the completely overtopped every other consideration that we both but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined your billet.' definite end. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it use an arc-and-compass breastpin." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty one which it was hard to resist. into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest retorted upon me, and I on you." latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number me. will be renamed. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. address. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there in a friendly supper." "Stoke Moran?" said he. delighted to hear it," he said. reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare the loss of it. princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to himself. you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "Nothing?" "The best possible." We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a like gravel from a pit.' never to learn it at all." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the the room while you explain this matter?" pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "Very much so." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where miles off. fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old hands. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "'And the work?' very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my hour." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the was not a bird to be seen there. he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the which was all perfectly true. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." with her." the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "'Certainly not. But why?' process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and have accepted such a situation. you in yours." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As not as remarkable as your advertisement." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "It was." he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and other means.' certainly do as you advise." as he remarks, very much against the son." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we