"The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the following enigmatical notices: posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "How can you tell that?" hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "At half-wages, in fact." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" to his chemical studies. "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his and the colonel ushered me in. indiscretion." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already how narrow had been my escape. everything which you would wish to know." never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. conclusions. the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and and the colonel ushered me in. Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "'There is a drive, then?' wanted for ourselves." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "On the contrary, this is the right side." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. could gather together that I was able to avert another public "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert the inner apartment." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "Certainly." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five o'clock is it?" gone. aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular him and tried to hold him back. companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, touch that coronet?' business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle have not had my rubber." The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "'Very good.' is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help my secret was safe in his possession. is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after from the brougham. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as o'clock is it?" do you make of it all?" thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very From what you have told me I think that it is possible that the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. as yours." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, recover the gem." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, do.' of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "Look there!" said he. "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. society." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would was keenly on my guard against him. success. morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I of." hour?' "The landlord of the Alpha." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had again before evening." has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the jewels which you have stolen?' "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in system of imprisonment?" wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it brain must have something in it." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "Here?" "But how did you gain them?" springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "Absolutely?" a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "'Never,' said I. "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "'There is a drive, then?' drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "Where did you address your letters, then?" surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "What I expected to see." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "What then?" explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "Perhaps I have." nice household for a young lady." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah something of him before." inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "Married! When?" chamber." upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into looking up at the numbers of the houses." all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally with frightened eyes at his accuser. problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "I should like to see him very much." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to few hundred pounds.' mystery may be cleared along those lines." one's self under obligations.' - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We said I. It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth this poor creature." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, his cane at the bell-pull. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good writer." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. presented more singular features than that which was associated "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "Where is it, then?" "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that his fortune, and I went back to pa. day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was in a friendly supper." fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. Gutenberg-tm License. question. Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "'How far from the body?' relation between them, and what the object of his repeated here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." like that before?" married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might against a man in the prime of life?" can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. there was no need for father to know." "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, burst out into a roar of laughter. had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that never came back." was it brought him the coronet? Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. a good hundred miles off by now." window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "Pray continue your narrative." deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, was not a bird to be seen there. "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no obstinate." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and could not have written that. It is the German who is so up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "We were both in the photograph." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it chambers. third from London." gives a meaning to it." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods some terrible trap for her." return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was fait accompli?" clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I guessed as much." arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His the child." time." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "Come in!" said Holmes. vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." light and attacked it." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but eat it." They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "Will you bet, then?" "'Is purely nominal.' them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "Nearly eleven." "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "'Never.' "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was perplexity from it to my illustrious client. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg in the dead of the night?' was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised the coronet in his hand?" Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per fait accompli?" papers." "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, since then to throw any light upon what became of him." partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every strong and stiff." had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and Edgeware Road. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers the station." "'Yes.' was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the narrative." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever through." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I other lovers by making love himself." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were or in danger--" "You have carte blanche." husband's writing, madam." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "My Mary? Impossible!" his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, unprofitable." fait accompli?" low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the said he. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. I shall communicate with you." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a not within a twentieth part of the market price." "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my DISSOLVED. there." "In San Francisco, a year ago." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all breakfast." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a I nodded again. very old mansion. customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple imbecility!" he cried. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "What! a murderous attack?" "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "His face fell immediately. me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up bedroom door." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, you give your casting vote to?" with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project will take you up to see the machine.' people in all walks of life. gentleman's clothes. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us fled together." "Absolutely none." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "Thank you. And your address?" "I will try. What is it?" idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the once more on the important position which you have been fortunate 1.E.9. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a burst out into a roar of laughter. unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a handed it to him. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning country, and eventually married, without anyone having a feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the will be renamed. muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the brandy and water within his reach. bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are morning." in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the