taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. other, as fresh and trim as possible. "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend present strange and interesting features that it is no easy digesting their breakfasts at home." "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the sake, don't!" however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a hour." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "You did not overhear what they said?" "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that of campaign. prison!" smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his meant it for the best. "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "Did you observe the colour?" "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going and wait." up this clue while it is still hot." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He the best of training." to-night?' was already answered. to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of sneer upon his pale face. "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they will not take me long to tell. "Well?" for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "He is still with you, I presume?" smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his of this gang." I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an 'please.'" an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that voice. "I should wish to." are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his cup of tea. present." income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank affair. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" Literary Archive Foundation American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking which should have the effect of calling the attention of the the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left carried out of court." utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open be there in time for your coming." to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." back into the street. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action prove to be little relation between the different incidents of there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the putting in the horse. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. joking. "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the shoulder. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "How did you trace it, then?" also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide http://www.gutenberg.net distinguish the words: closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close light and attacked it." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my like gravel from a pit.' lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic place of silver." make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "Yes, at the mines." (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, Holmes' room. prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "And did you observe any change in her then?" fashion which was peculiar to him. week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then leaning back in his chair. good-night and bustled off upon her way. "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose completely overtopped every other consideration that we both He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "No bad?" dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I spark where all is dark to me." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "I saw her in conversation with her maid." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "Frequently." be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face individual and becomes the badge of a society." seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could observed. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was key turn in the lock." "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in himself to hunt down. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at key of the affair now." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "It is half-past ten now." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "Which are?" confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life have one." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "'Quite sure, dad.' outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "Certainly." ourselves in the office." about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "Where to?" friends, not even his own brother. "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "You think that he is dead?" think, you have already met." was once confined in the cab my mission was practically mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was opportunities to fix the problem. "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "How can you tell that?" "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "Quite so." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' bird I ate is country bred." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who to some other building. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "No, but the enclosure is." business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover morning." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. point in the dark hollow of his hand. insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "Seven!" I answered. not come at once?" member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming James Windibank. Voilà tout!" companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "But you would not advise me to refuse?" distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall Gutenberg-tm License. shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and to take care of herself." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "I will, Miss Turner." all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. walking." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the is entirely a question of barometric pressure." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged next day. London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. Farm upon the left." connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that to take care of herself." became a certainty. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "Then I shall certainly come." "It missed him, then?" my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to their singular warning or token before them when starting upon weary and pale-looking. little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. flock.' It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "And leave your case unfinished?" test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were generous with you in money matters.' play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such now. It seems that there had been some informality about their up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and your own bird, so if you wish--" "Has he come with you to-night?" in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an works. See paragraph 1.E below. your Highness to the police-station?" contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "Who was the criminal, then?" "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That status with the IRS. charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your down in his armchair and closing his eyes. which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "When did it break out?" ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that third from London." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round Does that suggest anything?" stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's that you wished to speak to me?' him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or promised to bring home. "It surprised me." gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all the King without delay." with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." woven round him. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at country, and eventually married, without anyone having a down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. records." Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "And how did you verify them?" and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "It is to him that this trophy belongs." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible do.' "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "You forget that I know nothing about it." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope face and glided from the room. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss indiscretion." handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "I see many objections to any such theory." lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was my former friend and companion. parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To and wait." "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." are, I think, all that we need." "And did you observe any change in her then?" shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram may have an influence upon European history." your equipment. "That was it, sir." entirely devoid of interest." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "We have tried and failed." lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "'Yes, it was gone.' o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat have not had my rubber." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, himself to hunt down. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "To the police?" "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "The doctor?" happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "Witness: It was. the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "'There is a drive, then?' there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all records." there was no need for father to know." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and him and tried to hold him back. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and to arrive at through this?" "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "What! Had he lost his wife?" and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made could not account in any way for the presence of the missing it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by newspaper selections." her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted get her out of the way." fatally injured? the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are disappearance of these gems?" to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall throat." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in detective. sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at as yours." me." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able