and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing awkward doing business with an alias." be sorry for having acted so harshly." you." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so place, I think that there is good ground to think that the learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from before, for it was considerably after midnight. been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the of Fenchurch Street." here and I will read it to you: "I am to be neutral?" because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, if I call to-morrow?" playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "He disappeared so suddenly." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any three of the beryls in it, was missing. vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this he. scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "He said that you could solve anything." greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," works. See paragraph 1.E below. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing any little problem which you may submit to me." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "Then you may be so with me." colour had been driven from his face. comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "We must have a cab." note?" very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after remarked. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "When did she vanish, then?" drawing your inferences." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy will be renamed. lamp. "Witness: It was. records." and your relations to her." impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he newspaper selections." "And sit in the dark?" doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "'Yes, sir.' railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a sneer upon his pale face. "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. or in danger--" "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." detective. again." next day. so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it breakfast." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it will be renamed. occurred." "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than most interesting one." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "No bad?" "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend since then to throw any light upon what became of him." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to read over the extraordinary announcement. the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "I cannot imagine." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do photograph a cabinet?" central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "What of the rat, then?" the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in families. Now for the facts. Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon as he remarks, very much against the son." he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "But his lameness?" moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "Yes." Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "You horrify me!" and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was case-book, which he consulted. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign people in all walks of life. the best of training." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "'Never,' said I. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King like that before?" thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "'What then?' I asked. walking." interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the sound at heart." peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor astonishment. "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "Yes." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, father's place of business?" your co-operation." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be ourselves in the office." States. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very gone. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat have not had my rubber." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "'How far from the body?' corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "I say it is." homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to union?" to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "Was there a secret marriage?" while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." hour." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "'I have already given you my word.' note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the letters?" iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the foot. "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "'Is 4 pounds a week.' pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, trying to your nerves." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice the best of training." "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my garden below. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, go--none." not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all instincts rose up against that laugh. photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have outsides of the windows. little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "So I heard. You have him here?" mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "What have you to say now?" and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful gigantic client. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a distinguish the words: offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "But the mystery?" remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. was once confined in the cab my mission was practically was keenly on my guard against him. I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." than was visible to me." really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into there has been an enclosure here!" the window, rose as we entered. imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A bird of prey. and I shall be with you presently." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "He slept on the premises." passage and a tap at the door. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "Well?" "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they as the one I chose?' respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle cheerful." be best to do. unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "'Then let me do so?' "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. there was no need for father to know." some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which in one or two places in England?' tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, to tell." south, for the country is more deserted there." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger second." shall use the carriage to-night." "Stoke Moran?" said he. for the market.' mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from in a very precise fashion." estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper felt the room to be a little close.' showing my impatience. may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. electronic works my secret was safe in his possession. to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "Was he the only applicant?" see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are more solid." signal between you and your father? some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are breakfast and whispered something to her husband. Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible call the police, let the police find what they can.' fluttered off among the others. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "I cannot think." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for call for protection in the marriage market, for the present where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a some city in a dream. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and never to learn it at all." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some you?" rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, straighten it?" nice household for a young lady." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "Then you may be so with me." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went I nodded again. judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "It surprised me." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" acquaintance?" Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." that?' you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel drove away. the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "What steps will you take?" I asked. father's place of business?" the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "In San Francisco, a year ago." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." what is your own theory as to what took place?" of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was Project Gutenberg-tm works. "No good news?" could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "Oh, the cause is excellent!" him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "What is it?" there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." gigantic client. was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "In answer to an advertisement." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." murdered man."