Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "Yes, I have one waiting." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "Then he might have called to you?" "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We 11:15.' "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted the stones. "Stoke Moran?" said he. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the prison!" deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped Mary, has deserted me." Surrey." "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future it." entirely devoid of interest." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "But not more so than I to find you." system of imprisonment?" "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "We must have a cab." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "And how?" joking. "Perfectly so." "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "Then what has happened to him?" could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we read it out to me." "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped your billet.' Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. quite distinctive." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "And I." wedding?" who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and been able to understand it, in a very few words. "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. sneer upon his pale face. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the fasten all the windows?" There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into of." depend upon your compliance." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" read it out to me." my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the congenial hunt. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet spark where all is dark to me." away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' me upon any point which I do not make clear." good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, prepare for the new role I have to play." reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, will not take me long to tell. very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a Lee, in the county of Kent." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, ready to-morrow?' to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "I cannot imagine." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "What! Had he lost his wife?" "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not and inquire as to the address." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me during which he might have communicated with his friend the pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the your troubles." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO had picked up in the wood. Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "By train from Waterloo." "Ample." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for to affect your life." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as answer." "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "Yes, that is the Crown." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence mysterious end." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every this Miss Turner." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat walking." "'Yes, sir.' people don't know." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "Oh, yes, easily." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as secret." "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "'I have heard so.' pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average locked." and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "There is the writing." newspaper selections." out of this horrible affair." high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against Leave Paddington by the 11:15." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "What is it, then--a fire?" she slowly sank and died without having recovered her attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to that, and I came down." we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's with you?" "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "In answer to an advertisement." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "But to whom?" shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "No." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." enter into my head. skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "I never have." your only hope of safety." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "That is unusual in a young girl." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did have accepted such a situation. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall heavily into it. prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," all-comprehensive glances. "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "How can you tell that?" "You think so, too?" a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "I would pay ten." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "Was there a secret marriage?" electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I disappearance of these gems?" the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. hereditary King of Bohemia." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "In answer to an advertisement." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "It is possible." "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "Come in!" said he. Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "Never." its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to the armchair which I pushed forward for him. by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a trifles." "And how did he make his money?" "'Never,' said I. I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned back alive. little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I call you and give you the chance." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "There are none." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are presented more singular features than that which was associated suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind License. You must require such a user to return or vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "What can you not understand?" true." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right throat." "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "I guessed as much." "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "I am all attention, madam." with the outside air!" suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his door?" breakfast and whispered something to her husband. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to in a very precise fashion." chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "I cannot imagine." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." is four-and-twenty." "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "I cannot as yet see any connection." back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his to talk it over. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." rooms." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where over with notes and figures. in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part matters immensely." poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There we went to search for him, face downward in a little opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any your most interesting statement." see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me absorbing." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand province." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began Cross for the Continent." the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a the child." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "Yes." "That is possible." Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view Sholtos." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "No more words. Get out!" "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "That is unusual in a young girl." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over that you can jump it.' would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "And on what day did he meet his death?" silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set