flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as who was a member of your goose club." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "In which, sir?" hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, skylight. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked one of them." great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced up this clue while it is still hot." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from it right.' laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "It is solved." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, have not had my rubber." remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, digesting their breakfasts at home." you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "That you are never beaten." very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "'Oh, no.' quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with For additional contact information: push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, any little problem which you may submit to me." eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the the inquest, and which are worth considering." gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in was used.' considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She direction." They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your window when the police appeared." to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked that you can jump it.' to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "I should like to see him very much." the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I him!" have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have them present such singular features as the strange train of single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "Has he come with you to-night?" a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't was the fact that his father should, according to his account, uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "If so, much may have happened between." "A greater distance to travel." "Holmes, the busybody!" these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "Pray let us have it, for all that." over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning the iron safe, which he closed upon it. searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "You saw the ventilator, too?" threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror burst out into a roar of laughter. have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police were unconscious?" "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, outside." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many tell him that I know him to be innocent." chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which singular points about the case. What did the police think of the with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, and glanced through. One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. coroner's jury." must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that new duties?' for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the pictures, libraries, or plate. gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "Where did you address your letters, then?" livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "'Never.' the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "That also I could fathom." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down mystery." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "'Ample.' and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "What then?" sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "But you would not advise me to refuse?" the south-west, I see." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham this man was intellectual?" "It is no ordinary one." home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that anything to do with the matter?" returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could habit of advancing money.' married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." horse could go." and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "In what way?" asked Holmes. "Where, then, is my wife?" "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in whether it answered to the description of any of their that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "'Ample.' papers diligently of late, have you not?" after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in right! Sit down and let us talk it over." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then himself in a perplexing position. imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil highly," said Holmes. paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three thin, with a long, sharp nose?" along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly returned to France?" "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a conclusions. "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "And how in the world did you find them?" Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to I nodded again. has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said or other trace. But how on earth--" wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I that there was nothing in it, after all." whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the your own bird, so if you wish--" the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, been." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite and have this put in the evening papers." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have derbies." "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the danger is over." lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I green of the new foliage. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "And why in hopes?" deduce something from that?" matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled absorbing." upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "Married! When?" case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already of Fenchurch Street." annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" few hundred pounds.' "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "Look there!" said he. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms Eyford at 11:15.' whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "No." detective. the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has locked. common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "But you have hopes?" important." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my or in danger--" Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My used to be." "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "Why? What do you mean?" will find little credit to be gained out of this case." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "'And what are they worth?' I asked. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an through." observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been to surprise her." feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your brain must have something in it." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very noting anything else of interest. "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, like gravel from a pit.' corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "Oh, the cause is excellent!" that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. and it need not interfere very much with one's other only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. conclusions. and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "'About the same.' there were so many in the whole country as were brought together that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were chance at all." clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are up this clue while it is still hot." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "That is easily got." "It is a murder, then?" remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "You were travelling in the States?" more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "Which are?" "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the once more for Briony Lodge. the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." astonishment. appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him miles off. "I think that it is very probable." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, danger is over." Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes I leave." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; friend's singular character. lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress window when the police appeared." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which strength." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. what do you think they found in the pockets?" judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "Yes, at the mines." "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to together. possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "Did you become engaged then?" circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more mysterious business." to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "Yes." to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a just ask you whether you had heard it.' "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the gentleman's clothes. whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "Yes, there are nearly always some there." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so had formerly been in part my own. to his chemical studies. look upon these things in a different way." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "And what did you learn from him?" "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business is so. I know all about McCarthy." terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. orange pips. you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "Nothing." you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having might have a private word with us. whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look your sleep?' "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion client, rising. I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to fasten all the windows?" And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this of Mr. Rucastle's." one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "It is no ordinary one." "Proceed, then." annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad crime. three of the beryls in it, was missing. England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, his huge brown hands. "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, bird I ate is country bred." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "What will you say?" and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but because she had spent so short a time in this country that she in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing