the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly to-night's adventure." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I evidence," I remarked. note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "ARAT," I read. "I am about to be married." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, father's young wife. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "Precisely." hurried by. hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way fait accompli?" "In heaven's name, what for?" hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as easy-going way." "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." that I may have something better before very many minutes are all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that grasp, he hurried from the room. usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are nonsense.' to arrive at through this?" made his money." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "That is easily got." remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found the so-precious time, but come!' cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. plantation.' met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in the best of training." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "There are none." These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A corner of the building. your troubles." charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, wedding?" "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I it." office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a strode off upon his way. does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to unprofitable." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. fashion which was peculiar to him. "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the had a long day." note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest detective. "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all yards of it?' not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "Dr. Becher's." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I fled together." coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that back alive. have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to States. and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard of it with the greatest attention. mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon enough to aid us in our search." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "Entirely." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "What will you do, then?" what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "The murder was done with it." hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that know that the truth is known." schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since up this clue while it is still hot." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "Oh, fresh and glossy." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many and I shall be with you presently." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "You don't mind breaking the law?" do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine an introduction to him?" Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if this man was intellectual?" of your young ladies.' "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards face and glided from the room. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, Again Holmes raved in the air. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off your own bird, so if you wish--" "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she American. Then who could this American be, and why should he the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "Eh? What was that?" indeed which he could not unravel. list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 gbnewby@pglaf.org Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is was keenly on my guard against him. Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would papers." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, invisible to me," I remarked. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. come either from the window or the door. My attention was from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded you?' "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned with you alone." of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "And is that all?" he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "What! You do not mean bodies?" III. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "Yes, that is the Crown." old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress have had none more fantastic than this." it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, you give your casting vote to?" the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I that he has suffered." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length again before evening." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "Texas, I think." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I must be when I saw the door open.' "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' touch that coronet?' "Proceed, then." "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "By no means." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we and a shock of very red hair. yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, go back?" "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "'You cannot say what it was?' "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure results." forebodings. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me to surprise her." attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin people in all walks of life. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "But his lameness?" "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. events than those which have happened in my own family." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your and your relations to her." complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "A greater distance to travel." relief. imbecility!" he cried. formed some opinion?" "And that is--" "But the mystery?" made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the and the whole place is in a blaze." swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's at my remark. of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "Nothing?" bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "Yes." The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my such person." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "No good news?" "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands the coronet at all injured?" unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "I see no marks." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my nights." "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, crime." sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the confronted him. lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." occupations.' been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My less than 26s. 4d. "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the questioning and rather startled gaze. "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door were new raised from a basin. upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "It was." Watson," he said cordially. our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "But you have hopes?" seen the man in the road." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never crime. "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' here." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good I leave." beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "Could he throw no light?" "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and heavy and sharp instrument." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a you." bled considerably." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." may have an influence upon European history." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & Mrs. Toller serenely. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose she used." attention." "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." works. train.' I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am hopeless attempt at recovering them." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "'What then?' I asked. her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than indeed which he could not unravel. might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a tell me that you intended to go into harness." Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to at home. in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the desk. "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She Dr. Gregory B. Newby "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "She walked into the breakfast-room." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "'Yes, it was gone.' of receipt of the work. "To the police?" "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "And on what day did he meet his death?" jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "I will try. What is it?" it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the morning." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "It is solved." "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't when you have done it." "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from thin legs towards the fire. is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from shoulder; "he's all right." Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "Because he was handy and would come cheap." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "No legal papers or certificates?" "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised to Leatherhead. "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. your only hope of safety." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I is entirely a question of barometric pressure." visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" call for protection in the marriage market, for the present friend's singular character. "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation towards the blaze. three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "Then I shall certainly come." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" not personally threatened." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has character. his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime it." "So I am. Very much so." stalked out of the room. backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at