One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without woman." "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "But I have heard all that you have heard." ago." best detective that ever lived. weary and pale-looking. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in constraint." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "How on earth--" "'I am sure that I do not know.' learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are handed it to him. "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "The King of Scandinavia." nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "I have a cab outside." of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "I see many objections to any such theory." "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main subject to the trademark license, especially commercial intrusion of other matters." "So it appears." round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "Tired-looking or fresh?" been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' you in your example." directors, with the result that you have seen." "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in shoulder. should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony lectures into a series of tales." "Dirty?" "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This What do you deduce from it?" was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good Have you good authority for what you say?" docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "How can you tell that?" "And why in hopes?" parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated bachelor.' "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and For additional contact information: "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "But she could not love him." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "Never to return." "Was there a secret marriage?" can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me chamber." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in silent! Oh, he will be silent!' you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no new duties?' got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." was it brought him the coronet? laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a garden below. there has been an enclosure here!" entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into child?' "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be visitors." chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both father's place of business?" the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "Yes, it would be as well." the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "So I have heard." as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If was already answered. "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. go from here to the Strand." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "And you can do nothing until then?" Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." good for you to do.' inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "Your sister is dead, then?" creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is You can understand that this register and diary may implicate firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, in the hope of finding them." real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, I approached. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "What have you done?" asked Holmes. in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, should be so warm over such a trifle." lost his Christmas dinner." in his power. lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly absorbing." "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, tension within him. "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out security.' "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. his grey eyes. man. them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched upon the white wrist. gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "And you can do nothing until then?" the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of chance." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "By no means." "'Yes, sir.' bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions sooner or later she must fall a victim. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "No." down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever she to prove their authenticity?" Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. from you?" If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm these bleak autumnal evenings." "It is possible." "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "I say that I have solved it." along the entire front of the house, with three long windows seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "They are typewritten," I remarked. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" telegram would bring me down to your help." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "And how in the world did you find them?" The King stared at him in amazement. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "How are you getting on?" red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the as he remarks, very much against the son." received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have outbreak?" it." accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one could not account in any way for the presence of the missing may never be exposed to such a temptation." One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "It looks newer than the other things?" main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice he bowed and left the room without another word. any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "Very much so." Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" grasp, he hurried from the room. was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of ourselves in the office." sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where to Leatherhead. charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "Frequently." passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that the devil!" also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "No." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings pierced for earrings?" from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he questioning and rather startled gaze. hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking Young McCarthy must be got off, however." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed 'please.'" from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where have established a very serious case against the son of the gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "But what will you do?" it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that Holmes." head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You about. "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "No." to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling side. me. You must get home instantly and act." "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His way in." conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get started for the Temple to see my husband. fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom the room while you explain this matter?" looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "We must have a cab." remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a people in all walks of life. I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay Pope's Court. "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and which are rolled in Rotterdam." pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "What have you to say now?" dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "You know me, then?" large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty in darkness. examine." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter This is what he says: room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and it means?" absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy daring than any effort of the imagination." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "Did your wife hear all this?" then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "Perhaps we may make them less so." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So unkempt, staring out at me. hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that taking in every detail of the apartment. astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "And how have you succeeded?" For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. over part of the map. "What do you read?" "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, occurred." "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the sofa. This way, please!" 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. with some details as to your case." His name is Francis Prosper." "Yes, it would be as well." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT walking." its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. tassel actually lying upon the pillow. his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place go--none." have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her meant." Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot get the tickets." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "Yes, I have one waiting." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal you." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am at my remark. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "Perhaps I have." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would anything to do with the matter?" "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." events, Mr. Windibank!" searched, without anything being found which could incriminate gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. security.' "Then he might have called to you?" the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "Do you know him?" to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "Why? What do you mean?" dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest conduct the inquiry." some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. ordinary clothes on?" however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I went to the Alpha were town bred." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he