upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security presented more singular features than that which was associated ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "And the murderer?" "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for you." to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy works. tension within him. over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the your Highness to the police-station?" at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "'What, the red-headed man?' and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry friend's singular character. "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" correct than the official force." "How did that help you?" straightened it out again. little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "There are none." news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a has little to do with my story." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "You did not overhear what they said?" you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It hardly wander." night.' said he. things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "But your client--" entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "When did it break out?" seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The excitement. himself. takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some tell me that you intended to go into harness." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the your billet.' "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "Always." "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "It is no ordinary one." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to his wife has ceased to love him." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. is so. I know all about McCarthy." and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so the nursery. go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "He disappeared so suddenly." "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of been." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "'About the same.' drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the trying to your nerves." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and your billet.' and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "Yes, only one." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in head. So long, then!" "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his the coronet in his hands?" Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" papers on the sundial.'" "'Ten to two.' Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or my little problems." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "I am following you closely," I answered. a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with face and glided from the room. to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "Then, how do you know?" you?' wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The of the efforts of the United States government and of the better appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her cheerful." very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of Eyford at 11:15.' himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked feature." and no precautions can guard against." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was would apply.' above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." attention." me. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was right! Sit down and let us talk it over." compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "But how?" "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which My friend smiled. was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "Why did you pick him?" "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "Not social, then?" case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may strong and stiff." "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I the coronet at all injured?" "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was DAMAGE. without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a rooms." acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "It is possible." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." copied or distributed: "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, ways of our fellow-men." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a Foundation unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "'I have already given you my word.' "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen outbreak?" throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at weigh very heavily upon my conscience." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two details." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "That also I could fathom." friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the handed it to him. whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years matter over." your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "Deserted you?" "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" was it brought him the coronet? round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." there in twenty minutes." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the with you?" "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "I cannot say that I have." red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "Was there a secret marriage?" month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then his knees, staring into the fire. His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed I shall communicate with you." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in that he has suffered." was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the were wasted." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "I would give my fortune to have them back." about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage to me. yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, go--none." road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "And sit in the dark?" man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it least a fellow-countryman. of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "Why did you beat the pavement?" "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It shall not find me ungrateful." "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy lumber-room." suspect him." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. until night should bring an explanation. "Certainly, madam." swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by noble correspondent could be. said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" it? Did I buy the geese off you?" signal between you and your father? lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like must compliment you." "To ruin me." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and purpose of examination. third from London." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; looking up at the numbers of the houses." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his and no precautions can guard against." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had DAMAGE. my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "What do you make of that, Watson?" Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang as he remarks, very much against the son." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which even of instruction." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "But we can't all be." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, your troubles." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes to talk it over. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "And who is her maid?" "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "You have it, sir, just as it happened." considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "The gentleman I describe." his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. details should find their way into the papers. Inspector hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "What can it mean?" I gasped. a suggestive one." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose galvanised. Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. there was no need for father to know." than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave but preventing her from injuring another. washing it down with a long draught of water. array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "And why?" appeal." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "But his left-handedness." appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the of note-paper. It read in this fashion: recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "Do you know him?" official police." thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "Game for a morning drive?" ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "It is a murder, then?" "What can you not understand?" "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to province." "You have it, sir, just as it happened." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "My private note-paper." will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive disappearance of the bride.'" foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature