fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking there." every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "Yes." maiden herself was most instructive." now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "Thank you. Pray proceed." business matters.' England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just cigar and let me expound." "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "But his left-handedness." "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, grasp, he hurried from the room. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would nice household for a young lady." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they touch that coronet?' "What, then, did Peterson do?" the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which promised to bring home. "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp wedding?" fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting have had none more fantastic than this." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is I nodded again. young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, go from here to the Strand." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need never will be, entirely cleared up. whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I waste of energy." (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling quick march!" He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very opportunities to fix the problem. Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "And how did you verify them?" that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, bearing upon the case." cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in of campaign. Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any any more." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" records." "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his whereabouts. "Very truly yours, "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "Then I shall certainly come." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "She told me to ask you." submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be your most interesting statement." "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." was not a bird to be seen there. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. and shall probably return to London by the evening train." have one." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the people don't know." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "There is the writing." at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when himself to tell his story. 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" ways including including checks, online payments and credit card The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "And your father? Did you tell him?" company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the of receipt of the work. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "Where to?" word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or their singular warning or token before them when starting upon when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but been shamefully used." was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "What is it, then--a fire?" trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "My opinion is in no way altered." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my all-comprehensive glances. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "My dear Holmes!" It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove results." moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a the best of training." could gather together that I was able to avert another public unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "No." cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a you." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "And from a noble client?" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on daring than any effort of the imagination." "Eh? What was that?" shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "Dark enough and sinister enough." crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "Your presence might be invaluable." eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; ourselves in the office." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge sake, don't!" The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." yet." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "Where did he live, then?" husband's writing, madam." "'What then?' I asked. twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me wedding?" edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "We must sit without light. He would see it through the which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "Then you may be so with me." you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry sparkled upon his finger. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful out." contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "She walked into the breakfast-room." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's there!' arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found said he at last. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door interests were the same as his." "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of strength in the others." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "Then how many are there?" wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. conduct the inquiry." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "'I am sure that I do not know.' for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' had this final quarrel? husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "Why serious?" middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "You have a clue?" Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "'There is a drive, then?' "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "Was the window open?" unprofitable." present strange and interesting features that it is no easy had died away into the silence from which it rose. "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we will he say when he returns?" Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, what is your own theory as to what took place?" with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known woman who has had her own way to make in the world. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to silent! Oh, he will be silent!' set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and served to weaken the effect. "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my spark where all is dark to me." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "It certainly sounds feasible." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "Yes?" "You horrify me." 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a envelope. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is frequently gained my first real insight into the character of who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon presented more singular features than that which was associated the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "'Then let me do so?' enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in one of the states of the Union." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel me have 200 pounds?' is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should night.' said he. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out place of silver." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "And Miss Sutherland?" in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with indeed happy." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "To the police?" 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" key turn in the lock." continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "But how will you look?" at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the that he has suffered." cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is back alive. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, them?" "Then I am your man." "'Oh, no.' "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself of Mr. Rucastle's." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to as noiselessly as she had come. "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, any little problem which you may submit to me." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "To the police?" "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "Oh, fresh and glossy." "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "But I have heard all that you have heard." my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was and glanced through. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who clanging. so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous call for protection in the marriage market, for the present door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley that you saw all that I did." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "Always." "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying to talk it over. than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. article?" mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have anything to do with the matter?" homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have interests were the same as his." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, means taking possession of that which another person has a prior thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been see a sister of mine apply for." clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this keep the flames under. hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand the child." Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "But it has twice been burgled." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to disappearance of these gems?" country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "I will get her to show me." centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who