compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I make me his representative both with the servants and with the her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "'And the work?' accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "And I say east," said my patient. "An accident, I presume?" established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "No?" leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "Always." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far helping a boy to put up the shutters. who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. of the way of danger. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "'About the same.' tension within him. started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that you give your casting vote to?" "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the his cane at the bell-pull. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and the coroner come to?" employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "It is true that I have been generally successful." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "'What are you doing there?' he asked. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "Certainly." galvanised. hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been burst out into a roar of laughter. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, taking in every detail of the apartment. year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, prison!" narrative." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was bill, which interests me deeply." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who and capable of preserving a secret.' the running down." facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to it. habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" distinguish the words: away to you." mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "No, I had a dozen." Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, But Holmes shook his head gravely. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "I was mad--insane." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "What then?" the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "Entirely." quite distinctive." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "'What, the red-headed man?' ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." leave you to your papers for a little." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I through." "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" have got?" "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "Which surely he restored to their owner?" seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "But how?" gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and highroad, where all traces were lost. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "Where to?" him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by make me his representative both with the servants and with the "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. before, for it was considerably after midnight. and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "I am to be neutral?" the running down." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you you." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for Young McCarthy must be got off, however." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might directors, with the result that you have seen." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs awkward doing business with an alias." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "I cannot say that I have." ceremony." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination it with his own hands." pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. his wife has ceased to love him." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have my friend's incisive reasoning. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the your only hope of safety." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "Then I do not see the point." "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "Come in!" said Holmes. look dissatisfied." look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. the south-west, I see." jewels which you have stolen?' "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a do you make of it all?" where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very ashen face. perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a to tell." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "My dear Holmes!" pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he The note was undated, and without either signature or address. vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "Certainly." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of floor. sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "Your presence might be invaluable." do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." Dr. Gregory B. Newby of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "I promise," said Holmes. and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I chance." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, thought that she would have been so carried away." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an John Swain, of St. Augustine. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the may never be exposed to such a temptation." "Ah!" beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought the ceiling. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem during that time.' however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "And the murderer?" ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "You think so, too?" License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." colonel looking down at me. protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man all?" the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "I say that I have solved it." side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, Holmes. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached will he say when he returns?" girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on flock.' may never be exposed to such a temptation." which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. was feeling which was the fattest.' "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "Proceed, then." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in that the gas is not laid on in his house?" which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my knowledge of the world." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are have an American origin." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." later, upon the night of May 2nd." explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from was it brought him the coronet? "Have you her photograph?" right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, singular points about the case. What did the police think of the money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black details." paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. trifles." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that success. arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned carried out of court." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "Why? What do you mean?" even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "He is dead," cried several voices. truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and over here." yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "Of what day?" black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "Certainly." "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? certainly do as you advise." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and of a light. note?" "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham chamber." "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "Deserted you?" "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "But you were on a friendly footing?" "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here and wait." "Then you may be so with me." there is a decided draught." felt the room to be a little close.' to-morrow." them, and came down just as you departed. appointment with me for six o'clock?" "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you murdered man." his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and as noiselessly as she had come. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned wanted for ourselves." And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "Then I am your man." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "Proceed, then." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do gives a meaning to it." here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. started for the Temple to see my husband. Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs examine." he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, carriage. It was a chestnut." "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is into the bag, and made for the door. wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door get her out of the way." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "And how in the world did you find them?" His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "Where to?" yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "He is dead," cried several voices. "Not social, then?" suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "Yes, sir." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "No, my brougham is waiting." "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "What shall I do?" look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his six. Come in!" means taking possession of that which another person has a prior part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle to-morrow." Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as