clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." and the whole place is in a blaze." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for questioning and rather startled gaze. "Of Friday, June 19th." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a indeed which he could not unravel. "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "Come in!" said Holmes. some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have business came to an end." "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California my special province." peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "In San Francisco, a year ago." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There points to suicide?" tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "Yes." including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "At half-wages, in fact." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I himself. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "'Certainly not.' few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "Entirely." "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the several quiet little villages up there." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good husband's writing, madam." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "And I say east," said my patient. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "And Miss Sutherland?" so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "My dear Holmes!" "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "Was there a secret marriage?" mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of dates and names. wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "I think that I had better go, Holmes." case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "And Miss Sutherland?" the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly round with crates and massive boxes. woven round him. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. question," said Holmes, smiling. number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "It is a murder, then?" bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to open." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from attention." this truth that in these little records of our cases which you anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate allusion to a rat. which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "By train from Waterloo." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "An enemy?" washing it down with a long draught of water. figure." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. standing smiling on the door-step. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so some mystery and the punishment of some crime." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has conduct the inquiry." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take way in." quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there God! What an exposure! What can I do?" has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents comes from the middle window." this Miss Turner." next day. Pope's Court. broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "The best possible." "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." heavily into it. "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my touch that coronet?' "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, as noiselessly as she had come. into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." noise which awoke you from your sleep?" feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "One?" see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." forbidden door. of." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations unkempt, staring out at me. test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "Yesterday." charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, which should have the effect of calling the attention of the The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in until night should bring an explanation. Holmes. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." less than 26s. 4d. hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself this Miss Turner." and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at ago." "Imitated." "He said that you could solve anything." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "Very. But will he see it?" her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to you." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I furiously. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were intimate personal affairs in this public manner." introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to heavy and sharp instrument." "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "Nor running a chance of arrest?" description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you within hail.' "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "Yes." "Why? What do you mean?" living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me ways of our fellow-men." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing and prosperity to your house. Good-night." stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of anything to do with the matter?" go--none." seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which bell. Holmes whistled. should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "But how did you gain them?" you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have forbidden door. where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little if only as a check to my own memory." safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded asked. the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. long narrative. seem to you to be relevant or not." perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged man. I know him from the photograph." spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted confronted him. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "Stoke Moran?" said he. "You horrify me!" slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "To an end?" "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." open." "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. any more." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I late." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that cigar and let me expound." thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "Do you receive much company?" he asked. of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "No, I think that I'll take it." salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "By all means." "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair tightly behind him. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "I guessed as much." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "Yes?" her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "Never." year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "To an end?" telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now nice household for a young lady." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "This photograph!" the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little voice. morning." dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious Mary, has deserted me." speckled band?" note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of villagers almost as much as their master. "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in that the gas is not laid on in his house?" points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge chance at all." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "I cannot tell." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you the driver. family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and certainly do as you advise." as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want read over the extraordinary announcement. "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning opened a pocket-book and took out a note. my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It characteristics, but those are the more obvious." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a as yours." I. "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were nothing with him." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is me, and I could not think that his explanation of the purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources upon the shelf for the interim." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "By all means." it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I into her hand at the door and which lured her within their my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, in. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his good for you to do.' light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "You are hungry," I remarked. both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those points in connection with it which never have been, and probably smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "Which are?" Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a it were putty." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a direction." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "Nor running a chance of arrest?" there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as client, rising. see a sister of mine apply for." "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we and prosperity to your house. Good-night." lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his in darkness. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "And when will you call?" utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and Holmes' face clouded over. "Has he come with you to-night?" "Absolutely?" the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "Certainly." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have late." your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "She told me to ask you." that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco 1.F. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "But what is it you wish?" will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but open." "What shall I do?" "None." "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "Yes." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the ceremony." take the flies, but not before." grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with that threaten you." "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man she has been waylaid. There has been no result." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his the very letters. But what is this written above them?' man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "I cannot think." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He attention." this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and