"Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly the coronet at all injured?" "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "Perhaps we may make them less so." England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "No. What a strange idea!" from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "I never have." profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the you came in." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "You have the photograph?" acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "'Is 4 pounds a week.' bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "If I can be of use." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to young Openshaw's." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. prepare for the new role I have to play." "Pray continue your narrative." "When did she vanish, then?" eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, galvanised. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "I say that I have solved it." clang of the bell. "Your presence might be invaluable." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, union?" winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling newspaper selections." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he this as likely?" "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "It is a murder, then?" last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had instincts rose up against that laugh. reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study case-book, which he consulted. afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: depend upon my doing so.' assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had shoulder; "he's all right." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of sufficient punishment." fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. strong reason behind." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "Ah, but I was recommended to you." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the my former friend and companion. into her hand at the door and which lured her within their that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no most important business. It is probable that he will be away all going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "Well, it is a possible supposition." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, for securing the situation." hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and the driver. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived get the tickets." persecution?" all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich tell me that you intended to go into harness." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "Stolen." the house with me." the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the take the flies, but not before." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. the coronet at all injured?" you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, to go into your room and bar your shutters?" Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "To ruin me." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a your bag." "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "No, my brougham is waiting." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "But we can't all be." "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all forebodings. far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who the morning and make my own way in the world.' left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "That was it, sir." He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do very old mansion. "How did that help you?" "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "He said that you could solve anything." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "So I have heard." "In heaven's name, what for?" sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." house for five minutes.' while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a fishes. given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "I will not look." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "When did it break out?" not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would himself in a perplexing position. had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle very old mansion. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently hands. Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the bearing upon the case." "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the fashion which was peculiar to him. pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and at my own good fortune. very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "And the murderer?" once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a the dangers which encompass me." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked hands. "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "Do you receive much company?" he asked. freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might must be when I saw the door open.' extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "Then I can wait in the next room." better grown goose." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "I have seen the police." days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It matters immensely." "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "Did he not advertise?" into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "What is it, then--a fire?" once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "What steps will you take?" I asked. behind me. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the presume?" prisoner's face. stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "At the wedding breakfast." on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." comes from the middle window." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty investigation." "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "I am armed." "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." get her out of the way." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "About a month then." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that instincts rose up against that laugh. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "But of what society?" from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "Yes." Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "And how did you verify them?" suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life ceremony." went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double not interfere, come what may. You understand?" profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "I will try. What is it?" stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger the room while you explain this matter?" home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "I will, Miss Turner." sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester people in all walks of life. "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through if I call to-morrow?" "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "You horrify me!" hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with later, upon the night of May 2nd." had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "'Tell me all about it,' said I. detained." was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am a very grave face. collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. voice, changing her seat as requested. the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "Why did you pick him?" the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands through." these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "He is still with you, I presume?" "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical me where it went to?" "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "It surprised me." Edgeware Road. delighted to hear it," he said. idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "'Very good.' in darkness. your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did nothing of it?" "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "I don't believe it." his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "How do you know, then?" India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is me." records." "It surprised me." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some lectures into a series of tales." hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in said he, "my real name is James Ryder." think, you have already met." security.' "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work appointment with me for six o'clock?" an introduction to him?" other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty there was no need for father to know." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the observed. "What is it, then--a fire?" beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "'Why that?' I asks. drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, these bleak autumnal evenings." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. the little opening for the ventilator is." eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "What have you done?" asked Holmes. I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "We must sit without light. He would see it through the strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "You have compromised yourself seriously." "My dear Holmes!" Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. that I may have something better before very many minutes are him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face breakfast?" "It must be recovered." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. a suggestive one." shall not find me ungrateful." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last both be extremely obliged.' made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it strode off upon his way. "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was business." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; carpenter." had this final quarrel? "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "Then what has happened to him?" ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "Then, as to money?" dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than my friend's incisive reasoning. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were sparkled upon his finger. Leadenhall Street--and--" our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "Yes." sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a address. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" get her out of the way." have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which the inner apartment." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "Where, then?" has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man,