the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "The Coroner: What do you mean? A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which foresight and the moral retrogression?" Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "To the police?" "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. to-morrow." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable both be extremely obliged.' unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting started for the Temple to see my husband. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the I. the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the do you make of it all?" I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "But she will refuse." "I came to find a friend." This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "And I." from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after gbnewby@pglaf.org the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to of his shoulders. Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "'I have heard so.' success. a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "'And what are they worth?' I asked. scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" singular points about the case. What did the police think of the the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform which it had come upon my father." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the forecastle of an emigrant ship. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the danger is over." such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. towards the blaze. "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but business." the one as in the other." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little despair." all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this someone who had been in Australia." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I gigantic client. sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of them?" matter." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a papers diligently of late, have you not?" vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from as he remarks, very much against the son." road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This visitors." made him keep the appointment." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, then?" exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "That is easily got." voice. "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, galvanised. weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from that the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "Only as much as we can deduce." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "That's no good." Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that may have an influence upon European history." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. had this final quarrel? had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now had formerly been in part my own. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? me." and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "I guessed as much." "I shall be delighted." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in mysterious business." in my life." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "It is his hat." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began redistribution. "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's of your young ladies.' The note was undated, and without either signature or address. it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in was lame." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. conceal it?" "No more words. Get out!" opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk the bed, and you in that chair." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, the dangers which encompass me." case-book, which he consulted. "And what then?" impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "I shall most certainly do so." the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "'What would be the hours?' I asked. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid your room." "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "Look there!" said he. better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I me upon any point which I do not make clear." outside. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "Yes." three fields round his house, and there he would take his The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "I know where it is." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. are, and they are waiting for us." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "That was it, sir." in him." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is light and attacked it." "Nothing?" Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "Certainly." in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at crime. Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than could go. even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at that he has suffered." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "And why in hopes?" better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "Absolutely?" One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." information in his hands the value of which he did not himself spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then at my own good fortune. "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your was a loud and authoritative tap. provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting Watson," he said cordially. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "What can it mean?" I gasped. words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you within hail.' been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I have accepted such a situation. occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" the room while you explain this matter?" which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my happened." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "That is not always so easy." He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the if I call to-morrow?" he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "What will you do, then?" What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey unprofitable." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened locked. night.' said he. red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which side. "How did you deduce the select?" evidence," I remarked. "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting Pope's Court. "That's no good." after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could some water from a caraffe. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "It is his hat." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; asked. I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it said he. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." father's young wife. of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter certainly not very gracious." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those throat." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "My last client of the sort was a king." knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in photograph a cabinet?" "It may not come to that," said Holmes. interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should threw himself down with his face to the pillow. upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "I have hopes." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a your co-operation." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every of this gang." "And on what day did he meet his death?" believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for swore that no one else had been in the front room during the the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your very old mansion. singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "But you were on a friendly footing?" "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press have an American origin." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in away to you." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "What do you mean?" reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you ago." And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom have an American origin." "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in what I may call a really hard day's work." "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you I have it here in my museum." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." again." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "None. Neville wrote those words." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "Of Friday, June 19th." have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Because he was handy and would come cheap." is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to developed." back into the street. a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, frequently gained my first real insight into the character of exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to compunction about shooting them down." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door and put his glass in his pocket. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been you." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' upon the sideboard." drove away. Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and Where does the thing come from?' from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "Ah!" "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "There are none." education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and and that he would see to anything that turned up. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "Then I can wait in the next room." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "And you don't know his address?" system of imprisonment?" week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been note?" despair." the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own I held the little printed slip to the light. to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "Yes, sir." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "Stolen, then." heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "It surprised me." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, might help us?" "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the bird of prey. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the with frightened eyes at his accuser. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did with frightened eyes at his accuser. "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know