it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then newspaper selections." "It is a murder, then?" astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a and glanced through. have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his dear old homesteads?" Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "And now?" I asked. that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss dramatic, in fact." "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he Have you good authority for what you say?" "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, is a common subject for conversation. "But not more so than I to find you." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side Pope's Court. probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, Munro.' "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the figure." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to this poor creature." "I fear not." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of this remarkable episode. peculiar to him. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the business?" "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him keep the flames under. reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might straightened it out again. matter over." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, secret." "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "No bad?" Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down that he will be back before evening." "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "Not I." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was your only hope of safety." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with Doctor, of the paper and the date." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "Perfectly so." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a voice, changing her seat as requested. "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "Who was the criminal, then?" its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a generous with you in money matters.' comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really weapon." investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered off." name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were himself in a perplexing position. member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming taking in every detail of the apartment. "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "She will not sell." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat to talk it over. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I directly by questioning you." "It is possible." knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "It is half-past ten now." "Yes." "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of pity, because in other respects you would really have done very typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business himself. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. pictures, libraries, or plate. like gravel from a pit.' huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the was feeling which was the fattest.' Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's side. throat." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back yet." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. in his power. of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." to his chemical studies. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else fasten all the windows?" some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "I am following you closely," I answered. however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' detective. make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "It is no ordinary one." envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's you?" "I have hopes." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "But the mystery?" including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' writers could invent nothing more crude." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real ordinary clothes on?" money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "A confidential servant?" "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "Indeed! Whose, then?" starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, new acquaintance to Baker Street. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this 'I should be able to look after that for you.' dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in with some details as to your case." "Where to?" black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening fattened it expressly for you.' "We must have a cab." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "'Stolen!' he cried. research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a have established a very serious case against the son of the "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "'What do you call purely nominal?' I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "Well?" "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open and that he would see to anything that turned up. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are in a very precise fashion." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" a room. a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free him to go away.' Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling lectures into a series of tales." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "But she could not love him." astonishment. of it with the greatest attention. inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of child?' adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The before, for it was considerably after midnight. one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face answered with a sidelong glance. "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and started for the Temple to see my husband. myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I overpowering excitement and concern. tapping his fingers upon the table. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it when you have done it." "And how have you succeeded?" freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of help us in this matter." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left the coronet in his hand?" faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went an introduction to him?" better in every way that they should make their position a little our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 such person." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "A confidential servant?" would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of maiden herself was most instructive." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. characteristics, but those are the more obvious." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "I shall be delighted." than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable that before taking the final step I should like to submit the off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "But how?" "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "Will you bet, then?" it means?" rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence Surrey." "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton I took the paper from him and read as follows: chambers. least a fellow-countryman. hands. bears upon the case?" other, as fresh and trim as possible. Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to wall." look upon these things in a different way." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, the side-table." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he respectable self." "You will not go there first?" but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "Now, then, what's the last entry?" clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "I assure you that I am in your hands." never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. point in the dark hollow of his hand. "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, not fit the lock." and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and you in your example." for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which tapping his fingers upon the table. less than 26s. 4d. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask eat it." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "'Yes, I promise.' since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. them?" as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "I fear not." did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: populous neighbourhood." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle the coroner come to?" this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I call you and give you the chance." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the and capable of preserving a secret.' called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "'Tell me all about it,' said I. to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "No." conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just instincts rose up against that laugh. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible again, where I was soon asleep. street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "Yes." seen the man in the road." figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the bed dies. Does not that strike you?" dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "My opinion is in no way altered." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. union?" first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on started for the Temple to see my husband. more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "Well, but China?" should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, security.' "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. you understand?" we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "I would pay ten." "'There is a drive, then?' news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We if she died from some sudden fright." "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." forecastle of an emigrant ship. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "I was afraid that you were engaged." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter.