assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You certainly do as you advise." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project character. significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance front of the hall door has given its name to the place. happened." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had companion. "What office?" secret." the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "Did he not advertise?" self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may very old mansion. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it there were so many in the whole country as were brought together I was concerned in it." why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "That you are never beaten." him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his the child." "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any friends, not even his own brother. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and desk. the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "It is possible." "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint lids now and glanced across at his visitor. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "And Irene Adler?" his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth pictures, libraries, or plate. "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my in his power. permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun you." day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, cigars in their mouths. "Dirty?" Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation possible that we could bring him back to her? "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "My opinion is in no way altered." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the footfalls from the street. "This concluded the examination of the witness." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would back to my heart. "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "I will, Miss Turner." "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I o'clock is it?" "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I away to you." or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into was used.' quite distinctive." filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a be there in time for your coming." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, have an American origin." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. I held the little printed slip to the light. "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did I was concerned in it." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "Yes?" "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our and no precautions can guard against." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even made his money." "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his delighted to hear it," he said. "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this acted in my house last night?" "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a colonel looking down at me. 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my the loss of it. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it name is different." tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from if she died from some sudden fright." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy it? Did I buy the geese off you?" Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "Then the page we have seen--" Street. all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as http://gutenberg.net/license). elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself II. "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "Yes." 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a me upon any point which I do not make clear." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" his forehead." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "He slept on the premises." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house held up the lantern and gazed about him. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "It is possible." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "What, then?" since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter when your master had gone out." seem to you to be relevant or not." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "No legal papers or certificates?" "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "That is easily got." passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "And your mother is alive?" the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "I think that it is very probable." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "What I expected to see." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as subject to the trademark license, especially commercial six. Come in!" It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her if she died from some sudden fright." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his mystery!" there were so many in the whole country as were brought together Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened his cane at the bell-pull. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," to a more successful conclusion." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "How did you trace it, then?" three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two tied." "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "'Why that?' I asks. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "Were they all fastened this morning?" "'Ten to two.' better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "And how have you succeeded?" When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "And Irene Adler?" only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "One?" extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, name is different." lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "In the cells." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "'As governess?' said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., never to learn it at all." King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "But his left-handedness." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. conduct the inquiry." "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of rose-bushes. make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a chair. in this note: What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found business in the City. She little knew what. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies there in twenty minutes." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, Doctor, of the paper and the date." other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at was a lad." "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been exactly what you advise." came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there washing it down with a long draught of water. for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened morning." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself made his money." "Not I." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit during that time.' in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must nothing with him." cost them two and thirty pounds." the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a companion. his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "Not in a good cause." wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "I will do it." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his look upon these things in a different way." it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "'And what salary do you ask?' however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "Will you go?" "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in the inner apartment." paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't carpenter." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "But how?" opened a pocket-book and took out a note. thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of works. array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "Then you may be so with me." every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this God! What an exposure! What can I do?" troubles have been weighing upon his mind. eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "Was he the only applicant?" a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend locked." case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. some water from a caraffe. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "Yes." "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the daring than any effort of the imagination." Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is his wife has ceased to love him." sooner or later she must fall a victim. "Your French gold?" hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of go back?" and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "Quite so. She has her freedom." hand, madam?" the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind Doctor, of the paper and the date." offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from goes." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man to-night?" I asked. been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be fluttered off among the others. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "And Miss Sutherland?" Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "My opinion is in no way altered." "I saw her in conversation with her maid." low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor at home. "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "To ruin me." here." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it went to the Alpha were town bred." eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling daring than any effort of the imagination." Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from row." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with would then never go into court at all." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "Nothing?" breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when papers must be those that are destroyed.' "Indeed! Whose, then?" think that he is innocent?"