most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "Why, it's a dummy," said he. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up IS one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "A thing like a cleaver," said he. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a astonishment. thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the allusion to a rat. o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "Very murderous indeed." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been your only hope of safety." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "Stoke Moran?" said he. seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. woven round him. formed some opinion?" other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the it with his own hands." his face which made him a very different person to the round, saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. your Highness to the police-station?" the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one tell him that I know him to be innocent." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am key turn in the lock." across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "I think it very unlikely." am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "What office?" "But you would not advise me to refuse?" recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his remarked. out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "Have you her photograph?" "My photograph." took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, breakfast?" The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands just ask you whether you had heard it.' appointment with me for six o'clock?" settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the at once, for I have only half an hour." "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can useful material for showing traces. The double line a little happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his him and tried to hold him back. course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during amused." "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "What! Had he lost his wife?" very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. searched, without anything being found which could incriminate redistribution. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that definite end. rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his straighten it?" IS They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "The landlord of the Alpha." and no precautions can guard against." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped your co-operation." fluttered off among the others. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an that there was nothing in it, after all." "It is very clear." "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with one's self under obligations.' the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, felt the room to be a little close.' round and wave him away like that.' murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her populous neighbourhood." am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town legal crime." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "Nothing." "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it your co-operation." A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way fait accompli?" with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out fire. You quite follow me?" lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an chair. had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, call for protection in the marriage market, for the present the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the should be so warm over such a trifle." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "Of what day?" "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last he. been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "I am armed." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who Where does the thing come from?' and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "Yes, I have one waiting." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "You know me, then?" touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "Nearly eleven." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" to take care of herself." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of system of imprisonment?" electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. my secret was safe in his possession. dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found Munro.' without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "Will you go?" go back?" head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "Why, what do you mean?" As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' himself in a perplexing position. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "Why serious?" imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more shall use the carriage to-night." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been opened the door, and slipped through. in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "I saw her in conversation with her maid." sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a unprecedented a position." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a front of me. I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to Holmes' face clouded over. the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the Project Gutenberg-tm works. occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not assist you in forming an opinion." eavesdroppers?' had died away into the silence from which it rose. politicians who had been sent down from the North. "Witness: Nothing definite. It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between the very letters. But what is this written above them?' stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "But to whom?" which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "What then?" My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of someone who had been in Australia." "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport presented which may be striking and bizarre without being web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." me have 200 pounds?' It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between bird of prey. on in his house." "Where is it, then?" This is what he says: swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence you in yours." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where DISSOLVED. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "And what did you learn from him?" be.' came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very side. had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "And your mother is alive?" Pope's Court. however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were you." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had with you?" well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa that you can jump it.' the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I sufficient punishment." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future lids now and glanced across at his visitor. my special province." Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the in this way: rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing down. one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon voice, changing her seat as requested. handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself straightened it out again. then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "Not in a good cause." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation the south-west, I see." read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "In heaven's name, what for?" blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, past. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the your sleep?' bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is dear old homesteads?" quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would ways of our fellow-men." DAMAGE. come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "When did she vanish, then?" we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "There are none." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the as noiselessly as she had come. "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to mysterious business." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat examination of the premises, but without finding anything which business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "No bad?" he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an were unconscious?" back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was best detective that ever lived. down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp such attractions and accomplishments?' walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "But I have heard all that you have heard." friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses read over the extraordinary announcement. sparkled upon his finger. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous Young McCarthy must be got off, however." views." but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "Stoke Moran?" said he. up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the in his hands." my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "But she could not love him."