"To an English lawyer named Norton." of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able your bag." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. down. "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. tapping his fingers upon the table. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to once more for Briony Lodge. no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "Ah, but I was recommended to you." brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "But she could not love him." any little problem which you may submit to me." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "None." without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." back to my heart. interest. They are important, you understand, without being forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "But I have heard all that you have heard." the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand carried out of court." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, and have this put in the evening papers." with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, cigar and let me expound." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, signal between you and your father? Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "So I am. Very much so." strange features which were associated with the two crimes which visitors." followed. air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little less than 26s. 4d. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which and it need not interfere very much with one's other weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to residence of the great financier. ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he upon an income of about 60 pounds." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the national property. I was determined that the law should have its "Yes, they were peculiar boots." as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to very peculiar words of the dying woman?" to-night's adventure." "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "How did he come?" assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "It is his hat." it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which on in his house." "But how did you gain them?" and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments in him." "Precisely so. But how--" papers diligently of late, have you not?" however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said so far?" street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "But who is he?" "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "So I heard. You have him here?" appointment with me for six o'clock?" "And what did you see?" and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "'Yes, it was gone.' I think that I could be of assistance to you." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our business." rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. laugh and put his lips to my ear. minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with wanted for ourselves." address. habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came generous with you in money matters.' fatally injured? fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "'Stolen!' he cried. of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was key of the affair now." ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "So it appears." "Yes." residence of the great financier. "You saw the ventilator, too?" and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some of a light. confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole the warnings." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the soul! here is her carriage at the door." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." you." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were my little problems." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we his grey eyes. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly ourselves in the office." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "'I have heard so.' slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "The decline of his fortunes, then?" For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "Nothing?" the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "You were travelling in the States?" "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "I have a cab outside." I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred good-night and bustled off upon her way. "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could important." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "Texas, I think." the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure six. Come in!" conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "Absolutely none." "My own seal." "Where did he live, then?" "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' happened." light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "Yesterday." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to the tragedy. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. more solid." late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is someone who had been in Australia." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling very peculiar words of the dying woman?" believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three Farm upon the left." morning." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late child?' "But your client--" These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "I came to find a friend." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an beg that you will break it off." the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black empty. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my think you a quite exceptional woman." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call electronic works Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. felt?" frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to one else, I think." "And you don't know his address?" some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I the stable lane now." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "Certainly, madam." breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "My last client of the sort was a king." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "How many? I don't know." "And you thought he was pulled back?" "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "None. Neville wrote those words." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my public press." and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, round with crates and massive boxes. wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "Why, what do you mean?" two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "It is possible." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "Ha! you find it so?" facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "Why did you beat the pavement?" appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters of receipt of the work. you." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good husband's writing, madam." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel has little to do with my story." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I better grown goose." 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "Then how many are there?" course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There because she had spent so short a time in this country that she this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, strength of mind to control. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will were wasted." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize mystery!" passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "Stoke Moran?" said he. when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying the window, rose as we entered. your only hope of safety." said he. folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would that?' I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced the tragedy. open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always ceremony." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with in darkness. any little problem which you may submit to me." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "Her father is very rich?" rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, hopeless attempt at recovering them." "Why, what do you mean?" grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them not as remarkable as your advertisement." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." his grey eyes. charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "What shall I do?" provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband not come at once?" It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "'I have already given you my word.' and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very individual and becomes the badge of a society." states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had foresight and the moral retrogression?" Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With way: "Perfectly so." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my business matters.' aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "It came here." Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed views." and your relations to her." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "No?" 'please.'" I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "I am armed." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached chance at all." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and I took the paper from him and read as follows: