the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was written, and locked the door of the office after me. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "I am all attention, madam." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since and the whole place is in a blaze." remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." guilty one." American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the mysterious business." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you more solid." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the even so self-evident a thing as that." perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your most interesting one." ceremony." of note-paper. It read in this fashion: too. waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "Yes, they were peculiar boots." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "I saw her in conversation with her maid." believe that I should never have any practice at all. it were putty." expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. closing the door. "Ah!" is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There and inquire as to the address." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! returned to France?" Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my visitors." strong reason behind." at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, you?" snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it me. You must get home instantly and act." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "It is very kind of you." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "At what time?" gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "It is very kind of you." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" that "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a least a most suspicious remark." cup of tea. their singular warning or token before them when starting upon introspective fashion. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." the inquest, and which are worth considering." such attractions and accomplishments?' for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email closing the door. "And when will you call?" then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "ARAT," I read. "But you have hopes?" lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she once more to my work. logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it orange pips. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "'Most admirably.' surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." he. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you amused." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as outside. I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as the station." young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the open." was a perfect sample of the class. homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life morning." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door window when the police appeared." dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "Nothing." little trying to do so much typewriting?" admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite observed. the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "That you are never beaten." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "'Never.' wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out paper in the air. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings seven miles from Eyford Station.' it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each bird of prey. quickly through a disagreeable task. I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when rose-bushes. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person yards of it?' and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I behind me. me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to away into the river." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I the coronet in his hands?" strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "Oh, fresh and glossy." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the States. claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On morning." seen the man in the road." really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some least a most suspicious remark." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. events than those which have happened in my own family." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He and it need not interfere very much with one's other although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than corner of the building. Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was promised to bring home. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "I cannot say that I have." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp on re-entering her father's house?" when your master had gone out." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I occurred." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. sound at heart." "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would together. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and begin with, and I had not got mine yet." six. Come in!" "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "What is it, then--a fire?" to-night?' Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said shall not find me ungrateful." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "How did he come?" I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "Then I do not see the point." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear bedroom door." owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he respectable self." Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "I should wish to." trying to your nerves." bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been directly by questioning you." well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "I will do it." hard-headed British jury." I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six Sutherland. "Certainly, madam." felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "And leave your case unfinished?" signal between you and your father? understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "Nothing." lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the thought that she would have been so carried away." over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "'I shall certainly be there.' "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." It was close upon four before the door opened, and a rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "It looks newer than the other things?" town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "Texas, I think." inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely the matter." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "Always." when your master had gone out." out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "Was there a secret marriage?" continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had laugh and put his lips to my ear. lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured showing my impatience. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "'What would be the hours?' I asked. said he. is acting for the best. will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin charge against him will break down." the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly business matters.' about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. heavy and sharp instrument." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who companion imperturbably. was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is purpose of examination. "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "But your client--" he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may hard-headed British jury." would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such is four-and-twenty." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly address. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice it." hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been meant." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester III. is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "And that is--" the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, the ceiling. questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the about here speaks of his kindness to him." to go into your room and bar your shutters?" alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly unprecedented a position." certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the shoulder. "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "They are typewritten," I remarked. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained