before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened the inner apartment." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. the roots. weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a sufficient punishment." his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled hopeless attempt at recovering them." lumber-room." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "Yes." desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, guilty parties." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the do." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a generous with you in money matters.' France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a do.' strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his and your relations to her." "You were travelling in the States?" "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. when your master had gone out." for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and girl said." he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "It is his hat." into the room. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "How on earth--" "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the fire. You quite follow me?" desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to your only hope of safety." attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "'Why that?' I asks. on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought your Highness to the police-station?" showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. disappearance of the bride.'" grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency ways including including checks, online payments and credit card in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, thin, with a long, sharp nose?" over with notes and figures. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "What then?" star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss the coronet at all injured?" wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "My Mary? Impossible!" "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached light and attacked it." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "'As governess?' "No bad?" Sholtos." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is that I may have something better before very many minutes are "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not the side-table." traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She Does that suggest anything?" "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the breakfast." do.' observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party to take care of herself." hair?' "Very. But will he see it?" "No legal papers or certificates?" They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and very old mansion. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with me what he had done with the three missing stones. "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the begin with, and I had not got mine yet." must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my your troubles." in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I 'please.'" About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "Thank you. Pray proceed." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight just ask you whether you had heard it.' drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I to talk it over. cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual such person." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called his wife has ceased to love him." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. tightly behind him. and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "She showed me, as I told you she would." McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. use an arc-and-compass breastpin." in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked very old mansion. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "Do you go out much in society?" "Of what day?" would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the followed. "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he me. International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "Then, as to money?" them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "Stoke Moran?" said he. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "By no means." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the there were so many in the whole country as were brought together Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever exactly what you advise." murdered man." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should foot. the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive to that open window." half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "Was he the only applicant?" very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client spare." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a For additional contact information: and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was from you?" "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." eavesdroppers?' not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "But how will you look?" "None." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than towards the blaze. "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what most interesting one." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "The King of Scandinavia." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You him nearly every evening." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace trifles." of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I if I call to-morrow?" I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "'Where could I find him?' approach us with offers to donate. Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a speckled band?" material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "What! You do not mean bodies?" retorted upon me, and I on you." myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is habit of advancing money.' A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "His face fell immediately. until night should bring an explanation. "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "Perhaps we may make them less so." open." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me intrusion of other matters." liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now and the church but not where the lady lived." persecution?" wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "And Irene Adler?" "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "Come in!" said Holmes. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "One of the highest in England." them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, tied." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate experiences." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. I nodded again. "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's This is what he says: "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "Yes, but only for you and me." His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and had formerly been in part my own. this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "The landlord of the Alpha." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your night.' said he. "But you were on a friendly footing?" four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the is four-and-twenty." end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of occupations.' of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "But she will refuse." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes even so self-evident a thing as that." at a side door. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, been lifted and conveyed somewhere." rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "VIOLET HUNTER." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "No." hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both weigh very heavily upon my conscience." key turn in the lock." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all vault. hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." the south-west, I see." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, writer." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "Yes, it would be as well." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come case before our client came into the room." showing my impatience. examine." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than people in all walks of life. For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this Lee, in the county of Kent." case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself that before taking the final step I should like to submit the come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I success. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "I think that it is very probable." her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" photograph?" for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the trifles." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." his grey eyes. however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of all-comprehensive glances. down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the me where it went to?" white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "The murder was done with it." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait your co-operation." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an during the last few years, and there are many noble families to that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout the Friday. Was it to be in church?" inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely happened." reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "Entirely." room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found works. sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was said I. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "I promise," said Holmes. "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, I think that I could be of assistance to you." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a strong and stiff." of the efforts of the United States government and of the better way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "A client, then?" shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "Certainly." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "Perhaps we may make them less so." "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." 1.F. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, of them has the shutters up.' what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert