"By train from Waterloo." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in acted in my house last night?" his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "In which, sir?" whether it answered to the description of any of their "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "I guessed as much." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, Cross for the Continent." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was is acting for the best. Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "But the mystery?" yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "I see no marks." "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which call you and give you the chance." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, carried out of court." "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "Yes." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the papers diligently of late, have you not?" Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "One of the highest in England." morning." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again himself. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little business." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See occupations.' The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "Not yet." of campaign. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "And is that all?" been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet back to my heart. no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some charged with?" he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax have got?" you found me to-night--and running through the front room she crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the spare." clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "Yes." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but it." desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "An enemy?" heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I not interfere, come what may. You understand?" know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "I will not look." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek overpowering excitement and concern. Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg to Leatherhead. object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "What steps will you take?" I asked. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "Have you her photograph?" contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he in his hands." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "Yes." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time writer." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few to have that photograph." still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his troubles have been weighing upon his mind. is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "None. Neville wrote those words." door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which wanted for ourselves." relief. however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "I say that I have solved it." ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to Doctor, of the paper and the date." in him." so.' "Yes, that is the Crown." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "It was a confession," I ejaculated. follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself leave you to your papers for a little." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his an introduction to him?" wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "That is easily got." arrangements." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "One?" "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "My opinion is in no way altered." transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "When did she vanish, then?" "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed light and attacked it." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "No." is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility people don't know." gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "Holmes, the busybody!" "It is very clear." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go remarked. "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "It goes to the housekeeper's room." to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "Stolen, then." into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. ready to-morrow?' LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they she might be summoned. "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "So it appears." all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy introspective fashion. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "No, my brougham is waiting." particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of carriage. It was a chestnut." like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were It was close upon four before the door opened, and a London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may indeed which he could not unravel. room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one behind me. "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I place no limit on the sum I may draw." Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" strength in the others." Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are electronic works dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter better grown goose." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in garden below. unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning feature." wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There stammered. that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. remarked. man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "Nothing." customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of visitors." "No more words. Get out!" advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "But his lameness?" round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which said he. prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to to go into your room and bar your shutters?" test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as said Mr. Holder. "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as that trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child the loss of it. fasten all the windows?" possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "You are certainly joking, Holmes." What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "And the murderer?" Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every best detective that ever lived. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "Then I am your man." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "But not more so than I to find you." him to be an active member of the medical profession." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "Of what day?" "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out she used." conversation I have gathered that they have been married about in the hope of finding them." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by Stoke Moran." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, business." drove away. it were putty." any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "Deserted you?" him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an populous neighbourhood." "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's nonsense.' Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, interested in these little problems, and since you are good why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to call for it in person on Monday morning.' ran thus: at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "But your client--" "In San Francisco, a year ago." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for up this clue while it is still hot." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "Nothing?" the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had guilty one." elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is DAMAGE. and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "I answered that I had not. which it had come upon my father." Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite plantation.' "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." geese which you supplied to the Alpha." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "Nothing." daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an plantation.' "'Where could I find him?' long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that shoulder. been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "How about poison?" moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be which are rolled in Rotterdam." to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her Dr. Gregory B. Newby strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "Yes, it would be as well." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "I am to be neutral?" 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "What do you make of that, Watson?" While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly own family. we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "Then you may entirely rely on me." hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "Precisely so. But how--" "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father married her." you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "Perhaps we may make them less so." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "None." "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But seven miles from Eyford Station.' Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." works. See paragraph 1.E below. lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and answer." "But she will refuse." "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I the coronet at all injured?" was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear that threaten you." clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "He slept on the premises." and all of them with the keenest interest. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I only touch the interest." to-night's adventure." "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single business." country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "How long did she speak to this Alice?" vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear."