Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "I assure you that I am in your hands." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "I am still in the dark." beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project Henry Baker is a member." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" was used.' "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. unclasping of his long thin hands. "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," digesting their breakfasts at home." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me knowledge of the world." "Precisely." see me here to avoid scandal." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "Of Friday, June 19th." these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We sooner or later she must fall a victim. "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see the one as in the other." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "Yes, certainly." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "But what harm can there be in that?" round with crates and massive boxes. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "How did you trace it, then?" had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "Then he might have called to you?" red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "'Then let me do so?' diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "Witness: Nothing definite. inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An individual and becomes the badge of a society." upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "I don't believe it." "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had mystery may be cleared along those lines." really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "Ten will be early enough." cigars in the box." window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered that?' without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." served to weaken the effect. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open husband's writing, madam." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the results." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put drawing your inferences." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was business." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a one of them." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "Nothing." passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "And from a noble client?" accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the o'clock is it?" about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were behind me. like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith writing, and yet I know it well." alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we said he at last. tapping his fingers upon the table. "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the shall not find me ungrateful." with you?" to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "Yes." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of tell me that you intended to go into harness." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to shall not find me ungrateful." 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been at once, for I have only half an hour." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I crowd. "He slept on the premises." the tragedy. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming place no limit on the sum I may draw." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "And your father? Did you tell him?" at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the it right.' the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "'Ten to two.' "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and goes." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that residence of the great financier. politicians who had been sent down from the North. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of dear old homesteads?" said he. the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "VIOLET HUNTER." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "I think it very unlikely." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual flock.' we went to search for him, face downward in a little seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, formed some opinion?" case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." already referred to. for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the gives a meaning to it." chemical work which was so dear to him. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful been with you?" Stoke Moran." of Fenchurch Street." questionable one." figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and served to weaken the effect. prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "I am about to be married." cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his unprecedented a position." disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a the roots. "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew the Red-headed League." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped morning." their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "But what is it you wish?" "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no emerged. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, drawing your inferences." "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." here." awkward doing business with an alias." room. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "Oh, yes, easily." found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know use an arc-and-compass breastpin." have I gained?" "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your before the coroner and the police-court." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the which are rolled in Rotterdam." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "But who is he?" week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "I have solved it." papers on the sundial.'" the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "Where, then, is my wife?" "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to room. "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of returning from some small jollification and was making his way the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of Eyford." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "By train from Waterloo." beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." a very grave face. in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his James Windibank. Voilà tout!" my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "But how could you guess what the motive was?" are, and they are waiting for us." two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De than was visible to me." and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "'Then let me do so?' "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which were unconscious?" however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood other means.' "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he him, that man would not have given me such complete information without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers photograph a cabinet?" process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. nights." rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "The King of Scandinavia." right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were occurred." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to Watson," he said cordially. peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt following enigmatical notices: before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. ready to-morrow?' in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy the running down." so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very depend upon my doing so.' look dissatisfied." clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He Munro.' "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always for the market.' was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at looking up at the numbers of the houses." chill to my heart. Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney sake, don't!" "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other recover the gem." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "Then he might have called to you?" that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "You have it, sir, just as it happened." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook was lame." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "I shall most certainly do so." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "A call for help, you thought?" as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the front of me. I nodded to show that I had heard. entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and was not a bird to be seen there. "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. of note-paper. It read in this fashion: line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said was keenly on my guard against him. stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "It may not come to that," said Holmes. recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. bare slabs of marble. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of bonnet, and went out." built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I whole matter to your consideration." the Friday. Was it to be in church?" seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. silent! Oh, he will be silent!' ways of our fellow-men." make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "Ten will be early enough." note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was