"I would give my fortune to have them back." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. to talk it over. 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have matter." "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I outside." continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, upon a handsome competence. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "What steps will you take?" I asked. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "I am sure." very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon newspaper selections." to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "Where, then?" The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "I beg pardon." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in off." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, be best to do. detective. and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his coat-tails." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as shag which I had seen upon the previous night. importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "Certainly." Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is gone. glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. appointment with me for six o'clock?" get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "'There is a drive, then?' serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the I shall communicate with you." locked. the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and leaning back in his chair. may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do visitors." dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out and inquire as to the address." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special Holmes' room. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "No bad?" meanly of me." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable he. "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "Entirely." therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been drawing your inferences." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' unprofitable." brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his was it brought him the coronet? many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." confronted him. had this final quarrel? prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "What will you do, then?" that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "Where to?" though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "Yes?" For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away intimate personal affairs in this public manner." would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "And for present expenses?" servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There examine." "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with an introduction to him?" true." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what fait accompli?" key of the affair now." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "And who is her maid?" Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the roused himself from his reverie. Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "No, thank goodness, she did not." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "Yes, they were peculiar boots." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square and the colonel ushered me in. "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." States. thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in breakfast and whispered something to her husband. There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "He is dead," cried several voices. papers." shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a matters immensely." of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress which are rolled in Rotterdam." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a my former friend and companion. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year your bag." whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, tear off another piece?' "What is it, then--a fire?" way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one them, and came down just as you departed. woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who gbnewby@pglaf.org lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the upon a handsome competence. case-book, which he consulted. you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it unprofitable." grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not cigars in the box." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "Thank you. And your address?" "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "'Oh, no.' Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been License. You must require such a user to return or case before our client came into the room." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last papers must be those that are destroyed.' enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "What office?" "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "What! You do not mean bodies?" shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he go back?" "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, case before our client came into the room." the tragedy. careless servant girl?" he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back appeared upon the scene." met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now felt?" "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, annoyance, but no jest. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that hair?' for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that someone who had been in Australia." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, nice household for a young lady." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always criminal. We have already had experience of such." "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found out of this horrible affair." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "You were travelling in the States?" The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a appointment with me for six o'clock?" residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "That is also quite modern," said the lady. seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil husband's writing, madam." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "Nothing." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, pictures, libraries, or plate. tell me that you intended to go into harness." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the gigantic client. the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was the station." "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in III. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself said he at last. again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Not in a good cause." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you introspective fashion. be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "The murder was done with it." and put his glass in his pocket. the general public were present, then?" "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside that?' "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "On the contrary, this is the right side." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor Holmes." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the as he remarks, very much against the son." "But what harm can there be in that?" had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "To the police?" "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was occupations.' "No, thank goodness, she did not." "Yes, that is the Crown." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her death." "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I look upon these things in a different way." stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "And did you observe any change in her then?" freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "It is no ordinary one." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet how narrow had been my escape. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "What have you to say now?" of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat him, that man would not have given me such complete information young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and I have it here in my museum." business in the City. She little knew what. defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he danger is over." "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" highroad, where all traces were lost. but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "'I have already given you my word.' hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "Which are?" hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may papers must be those that are destroyed.' return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was to-night." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work row." papers on the sundial.'" "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. open." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "Nothing?" down in his armchair and closing his eyes. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his the stable lane now." facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That business came to an end." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "Was he the only applicant?" "I think it very unlikely." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales dates and names. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "No, finished." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth on re-entering her father's house?" arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the a few minutes he said that it would be all right. occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, of Mr. Rucastle's." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I people in all walks of life. down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you and the colonel ushered me in. compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon photograph?" came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house him!" this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "But I am all in the dark." On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as the matter."