stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "How did that help you?" "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. in his hands." answered with a sidelong glance. "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer within hail.' I nodded again. believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." advice." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock ashen face. "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me back to my heart. "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "Then I do not see the point." the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which served to weaken the effect. "'Never,' said I. chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "That was it, sir." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had cost them two and thirty pounds." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, presume?" of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, o'clock is it?" gbnewby@pglaf.org the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler Street. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of use an arc-and-compass breastpin." the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "How did that help you?" "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this bonnet, and went out." stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake little trying to do so much typewriting?" came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "Ten will be early enough." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "And the murderer?" business." "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three this remarkable episode. "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the companion imperturbably. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we mysterious business." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the was a lad." at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning room. blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "'Certainly not.' "No, I had a dozen." "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their the nursery. thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are plantation.' "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "Yes." eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage out of this horrible affair." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the Pope's Court, Fleet Street." play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread one's self under obligations.' neither fascinating nor artistic." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would present strange and interesting features that it is no easy later, upon the night of May 2nd." thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. 1.E.9. "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, generous with you in money matters.' with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "Did you become engaged then?" daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "You have but to name it." "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the answered with a sidelong glance. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely him, that man would not have given me such complete information "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel said he. "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the was keenly on my guard against him. "It is very kind of you." "I will get her to show me." instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, evidence," I remarked. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "You think so, too?" week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We me where it went to?" "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "And it is--" other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "What then?" fait accompli?" Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "Do you know him?" "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man had this final quarrel? once more to my work. the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "Stoke Moran?" said he. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight crime. your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to used to be." made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the get her out of the way." time." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" done what I asked you, Jones?" my special province." agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of did not hear it also.' problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." kind enough to tell me what I should do." heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, legal crime." charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "Because he was handy and would come cheap." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the people in all walks of life. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most dates and names. was used.' run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "'Ten to two.' "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered was a lad." "You have it, sir, just as it happened." sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to the little opening for the ventilator is." must be when I saw the door open.' helping a boy to put up the shutters. was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. for securing the situation." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of it." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a father's young wife. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "Yes, sir." think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her over with notes and figures. come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from the devil!" in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for beg that you will break it off." Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the is worth.' to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "And how?" that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "'How far from the body?' had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you and have this put in the evening papers." same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I what these perils are?" has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "But how will you look?" "'There is a drive, then?' Street. is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "My last client of the sort was a king." visitors." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to spark where all is dark to me." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the vague figure huddled up in the darkness. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "Game for a morning drive?" "No." "No." someone who had been in Australia." he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the do." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "No sign of it?" and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." Edgeware Road. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, is so. I know all about McCarthy." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass national property. I was determined that the law should have its be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "But the mystery?" written, and locked the door of the office after me. that he will be back before evening." room. revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to strength of mind to control. one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the congratulate you again." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I there has been an enclosure here!" grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "Very. But will he see it?" excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a to his chemical studies. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a congenial hunt. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "Stolen, then." "10th. John Swain cleared. compunction about shooting them down." and it need not interfere very much with one's other yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently breakfast and whispered something to her husband. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "I beg pardon." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood and shall probably return to London by the evening train." contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the your equipment. sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "How do you know, then?" said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her dates and names. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." down. south, for the country is more deserted there." money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I and capable of preserving a secret.' outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from notes," he said. remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It observed. her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them used to be." asked. are windows in it, of course?" done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. Lee, in the county of Kent." at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which think you a quite exceptional woman." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "I have a cab outside." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "It was a confession," I ejaculated. Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "Yes, sir." at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able I took the paper from him and read as follows: morning." "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two there in twenty minutes." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and business?" anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, or in danger--" bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite strength in the others." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a