are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg upon the shelf for the interim." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination imbecility!" he cried. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this outsides of the windows. "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. you for a few hours?" home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to noting anything else of interest. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "That is not always so easy." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my you understand?" "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to is so. I know all about McCarthy." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative hurried by. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so for and were ordered to this address. endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "Not social, then?" respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day congratulate you again." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to business in the City. She little knew what. been able to understand it, in a very few words. down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H be.' "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "Yes." you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her hair?' without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "VIOLET HUNTER." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the is acting for the best. fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the bonnet, and went out." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest gbnewby@pglaf.org "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own during that time.' He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. my former friend and companion. "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" lamp in his hand. railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "Yes." Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope conversation I have gathered that they have been married about suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "I beg pardon." "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "What will you do, then?" waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left companion. placed his cuttings. you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "One?" happened." "Then I shall certainly come." "If I can be of use." He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "Of what day?" state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would searched, without anything being found which could incriminate wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "I shall be delighted." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of not, dad?" she asked. "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. upon an income of about 60 pounds." attention." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever distinguish the words: "At half-wages, in fact." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "Never." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm pound a week." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I presented more singular features than that which was associated my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "How did that help you?" the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at ordinary clothes on?" ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "It's nothing of the kind." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last me what he had done with the three missing stones. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "None." coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had fattened it expressly for you.' is worth.' building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert as he folded up the epistle. the stones. untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "Yes." "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "'Then let me do so?' "No, thank goodness, she did not." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am flock.' back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he success. his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "You think so, too?" "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it generous with you in money matters.' might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "I will get her to show me." the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and and your relations to her." I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. to miss it." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "That also I could fathom." d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my his face. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I Dr. Gregory B. Newby case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is you." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "Your French gold?" firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "Dr. Becher's." noise which awoke you from your sleep?" thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face how narrow had been my escape. too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round kindly on the shoulder. chemical work which was so dear to him. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said British peeress.'" in a friendly supper." tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a to-morrow." girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must if I call to-morrow?" in my life." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my detective. father's place of business?" which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long she to prove their authenticity?" fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "Nothing." "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "Yes." central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "I have solved it." we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "'Very good.' better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "How did you deduce the select?" from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two and all of them with the keenest interest. comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "It is a murder, then?" he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." Surrey." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "It missed him, then?" It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a discontent upon his features. "Indeed! Whose, then?" "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, following enigmatical notices: was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "Then I shall certainly come." absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was directly by questioning you." "And from a noble client?" she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "Was she in good spirits?" "Why? What do you mean?" "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "I cannot tell." an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my disturbance in my wife." "Nothing." I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case do.' "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "And sit in the dark?" bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been views." and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the upon an income of about 60 pounds." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw take the flies, but not before." about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you key of the affair now." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know Chief Executive and Director "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "Have you her photograph?" the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers seem to you to be relevant or not." your room." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "Yes." heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile the warnings." "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the I. merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend congratulate you again." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "I shall most certainly do so." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "I fear not." and wait." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "You are all wrong." wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, drove away. long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable DAMAGE. congratulate you again." "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "What office?" to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "And help." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her coat-tails." yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while I was concerned in it." "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the said I. companion. points to suicide?" lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' at a side door. clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy up a scent, and then turned upon my companion.