"I answered that I had not. gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring not within a twentieth part of the market price." "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we singular points about the case. What did the police think of the pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock delirious. "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the his wife has ceased to love him." "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were behind me. her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "Thank you. And your address?" brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are reach." Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her II. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "Come in!" said he. chance at all." danger is over." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "But your client--" with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised such person." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "At the wedding breakfast." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." occupations.' British peeress.'" any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his interest. They are important, you understand, without being comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "Yesterday." read over the extraordinary announcement. her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical death." to Leatherhead. poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, not come at once?" ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "That sounds a little paradoxical." would apply.' of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you both be extremely obliged.' informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "I have my revolver," said I. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "'And what salary do you ask?' your room." myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." opened the door, and slipped through. a good hundred miles off by now." here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "And I to find an enemy." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what answer." system of imprisonment?" Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "You were travelling in the States?" places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and photograph?" a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was you." "I have come for advice." and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, breakfast and whispered something to her husband. Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how confronted him. which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there opened a pocket-book and took out a note. some water from a caraffe. about. half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to John Swain, of St. Augustine. possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any the morning and make my own way in the world.' "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an just called myself is not exactly my own." once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me the coronet in his hands?" steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would his knees, staring into the fire. "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found orange pips. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to with you alone." "Here?" dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "I was afraid that you were engaged." untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found deduce something from that?" and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "I assure you that I am in your hands." thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" developed." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been the south-west, I see." daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second tapping his fingers upon the table. "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "Stolen." "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the quite distinctive." o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," lumber-room." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than in a very precise fashion." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the For additional contact information: my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "This photograph!" not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much you." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, noise which awoke you from your sleep?" George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot not within a twentieth part of the market price." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. Have you good authority for what you say?" "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "Certainly." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as gone. have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, Holmes' room. were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to back to my heart. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "Then I am your man." against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "I see no marks." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to infinite languor in his face. "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as this truth that in these little records of our cases which you little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy I nodded to show that I had heard. during which he might have communicated with his friend the business in the City. She little knew what. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their notes," he said. "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you DISSOLVED. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "Holmes, the busybody!" Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "What office?" the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, the night.' business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he presented more singular features than that which was associated the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the be.' "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "How did you trace it, then?" "She will not sell." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle business?" tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the detective. to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are posted to-day." concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable done what I asked you, Jones?" fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "And on what day did he meet his death?" Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, as this. Pray let me have the details." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "Where, then, is my wife?" "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "Did he not advertise?" lumber-room." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by of a light. little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "'Quite sure, dad.' hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in Cross for the Continent." is a common subject for conversation. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what forecastle of an emigrant ship. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the at home. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which them present such singular features as the strange train of where Mr. Fordham shows you.' of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to daring than any effort of the imagination." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting official police." "It must be recovered." villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up of campaign. "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "Holmes, the busybody!" entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I voice, changing her seat as requested. precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "Very murderous indeed." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned out." although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so strong reason behind." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood characteristics, but those are the more obvious." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough locked. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." held up the lantern and gazed about him. "It is no ordinary one." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "That also I could fathom." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "What will you do, then?" trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and *** START: FULL LICENSE *** tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "And you can do nothing until then?" crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the it with his own hands." much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "I say it is." to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he you." glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was the general public were present, then?" take the flies, but not before." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." dear old homesteads?" notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "'I am sure that I do not know.' which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more we went to search for him, face downward in a little willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other charged with?" "'You cannot say what it was?' "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "You have the photograph?" consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late