shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "On Monday." disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first it right.' This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will Gutenberg-tm License. in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "No. What a strange idea!" "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "He is still with you, I presume?" leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in case-book, which he consulted. hurried away. which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. are windows in it, of course?" the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might the salesman. your billet.' "You have the photograph?" the night.' "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp DISSOLVED. a little more before I quite committed myself. "I have hopes." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in very peculiar words of the dying woman?" secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking which we had just quitted. rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent something of him before." eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we second." points to suicide?" upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the companion imperturbably. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a retorted upon me, and I on you." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he that I may have something better before very many minutes are "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very opportunities to fix the problem. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of sound at heart." It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made nice household for a young lady." fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great families. Now for the facts. broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "No, but the enclosure is." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "I was afraid that you were engaged." back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "Bought." furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the my special province." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from evidence," I remarked. "You are hungry," I remarked. "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But true." "Dirty?" corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have disappearance of these gems?" streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a bedroom door." Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was directors, with the result that you have seen." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "Game for a morning drive?" "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner hopeless attempt at recovering them." "No, thank goodness, she did not." of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. confronted him. to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it breakfast?" his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. papers." sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "'Entirely.' morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these more terrible than the truth. "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small it were putty." "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" into the room. forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is had picked up in the wood. his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened sneer upon his pale face. has little to do with my story." money should be paid at once.' wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." entirely lost his self-respect." his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced that the gas is not laid on in his house?" at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. arrested. You then--" "'I have heard so.' extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "Pray continue your narrative." "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "'No, I know no one in these parts.' platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you asked. over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "What do you make of that, Watson?" "None." time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to might help us?" which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "I was mad--insane." The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "Yes." chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they unkempt, staring out at me. importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would 1.F. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an I took the paper from him and read as follows: the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "To ruin me." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me photograph?" could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm do.' "And now?" He raised his hand. slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two manager. "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I cup of tea. to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "Dr. Becher's." allusion to a rat. "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he what is your own theory as to what took place?" that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "'What do you call purely nominal?' and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that green of the new foliage. that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had will he say when he returns?" implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "And sit in the dark?" "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more bled considerably." well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "Yes, the wine-cellar." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "But you were on a friendly footing?" It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "Your sister is dead, then?" me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small advice." been able to understand it, in a very few words. as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the to have that photograph." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to but preventing her from injuring another. "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge help us in this matter." remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see said he at last. toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed out." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "And why?" The telegram which we eventually received came late one night spark where all is dark to me." we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "I am still in the dark." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal astonishment. have not had my rubber." conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "Certainly." in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local heavily into it. Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle is a common subject for conversation. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of sound at heart." once more for Briony Lodge. examine." threw himself down with his face to the pillow. you, my dear young lady?' "Was there a secret marriage?" could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is crime." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even a room. It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but him to go away.' "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the closing the door. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "In the cells." easy-going way." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can quickly through a disagreeable task. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their weighed down with some great anxiety. any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce garden below. too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." prepare for the new role I have to play." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "But I have heard all that you have heard." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "Really! You surprise me." was keenly on my guard against him. with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon awkward doing business with an alias." Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best get the tickets." Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest charge against him will break down." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the pound a week." his cane at the bell-pull. "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "And your father? Did you tell him?" post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "It is possible." corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. said I. above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the the side-table." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest details." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the she has been waylaid. There has been no result." to-morrow." nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "You have carte blanche." "So I have heard." one of them." empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been gone before you can get him to hospital." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "And who is her maid?" I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his of the efforts of the United States government and of the better is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very eavesdroppers?' I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, tightly behind him.