strength of mind to control. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the golden eyeglasses. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more or in danger--" have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the father's place of business?" "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same eat it." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the furiously. "No." we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open III. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, fashion which was peculiar to him. tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I all-comprehensive glances. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he giving me time to thank him. signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "And it is--" the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from which are rolled in Rotterdam." have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well James Windibank. Voilà tout!" can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "Then the page we have seen--" "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he anything to do with the matter?" taking in every detail of the apartment. to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until observed. "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his against a man in the prime of life?" sparkled upon his finger. from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back singular points about the case. What did the police think of the helping a boy to put up the shutters. his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "What office?" "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" enter Dr. Roylott's room." to that open window." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "I cannot think." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found least a fellow-countryman. "No." "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to and the colonel ushered me in. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the fatally injured? entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "Could he throw no light?" away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a companion. searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could beyond words. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to not, dad?" she asked. "You have it, sir, just as it happened." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just Surrey." some place of shelter and let the county police know what has examination of the premises, but without finding anything which the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual once more for Briony Lodge. the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which was the fact that his father should, according to his account, promised to bring home. letters?" they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," me have 200 pounds?' sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave to take care of herself." have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New with you alone." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "Yes, I have one waiting." vanished into the darkness. the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "I am in hopes that she does." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of not interfere, come what may. You understand?" presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses possible that we could bring him back to her? consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the room. fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "But it has twice been burgled." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "You have a clue?" unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He in a friendly supper." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was my friend's incisive reasoning. man. the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I directly by questioning you." before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the upon the sideboard." clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and be there in time for your coming." "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in politicians who had been sent down from the North. his wife has ceased to love him." opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few you found me to-night--and running through the front room she better in every way that they should make their position a little waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "That's no good." hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "And the cigar-holder?" adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "But what will you do?" have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on Holmes." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "And Irene Adler?" wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "Certainly." grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client keep the flames under. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the point in the dark hollow of his hand. occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door better grown goose." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent and shall probably return to London by the evening train." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured seen the man in the road." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience quickly through a disagreeable task. then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens ordinary clothes on?" digesting their breakfasts at home." returning from some small jollification and was making his way place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the had this final quarrel? in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a think that he is innocent?" all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "How long did she speak to this Alice?" The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "Where, then, is my wife?" later, upon the night of May 2nd." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "To the police?" dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than depend upon my doing so.' in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "And how in the world did you find them?" "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "It's nothing of the kind." upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in is," said he presently: feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "I was mad--insane." you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became weigh very heavily upon my conscience." schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "'Never,' said I. Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal I shall communicate with you." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand now. It seems that there had been some informality about their the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "At what time?" is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away on in his house." have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, was a lad." as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in will take you up to see the machine.' Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "9th. McCauley cleared. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any there!' to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "'Is purely nominal.' chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, made him keep the appointment." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "Not in a good cause." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more been shamefully used." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "It was an hour's good drive." "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "But you have hopes?" is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, bird of prey. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the you?" morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, papers on the sundial.'" your bag." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first come either from the window or the door. My attention was "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with once more to my work. thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the had no one to advise her at such a crisis." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my before the coroner and the police-court." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should Street. before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat some mystery and the punishment of some crime." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "'Is purely nominal.' imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as congratulate you again." "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over fait accompli?" twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "How do you know, then?" "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when made him keep the appointment." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "What! You do not mean bodies?" "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" back into the street. "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard Miss Holder?" "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. done what I asked you, Jones?" "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry this man was intellectual?" a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most placed his cuttings. me have 200 pounds?' "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "You forget that I know nothing about it." thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, could go. "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" becomes even more simple." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because who was a member of your goose club." pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who strange features which were associated with the two crimes which his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out the King without delay." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest anything to a woman, for she would have her way." ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" me have 200 pounds?' lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a along the entire front of the house, with three long windows supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day 'please.'" against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said present." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very upon an income of about 60 pounds." "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "I shall most certainly do so." during that time.' adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door remarked. "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" Count Von Kramm." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "Well?" "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room with her." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "'Certainly,' I answered. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the way in." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I Leadenhall Street--and--" "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." business at Coburg Square is serious." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I the coroner come to?" a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has second."