of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that relief. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "But I am all in the dark." and capable of preserving a secret.' "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any neither fascinating nor artistic." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. go--none." husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of and put his glass in his pocket. "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "She showed me, as I told you she would." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope presented which may be striking and bizarre without being The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have held up the lantern and gazed about him. charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and lectures into a series of tales." voice. the side-table." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "Why did you pick him?" "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. out." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is his wife has ceased to love him." shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had are, I think, all that we need." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. there!' "Certainly." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already in a very precise fashion." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "Pray do so." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "And from a noble client?" disappearance of these gems?" until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It to miss it." It may be so in this case, also." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "On the contrary, this is the right side." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been cause to be." casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me has little to do with my story." had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "Yes, at the mines." "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had everything which you would wish to know." other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "Yes, only one." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier of the way of danger. the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "It may not come to that," said Holmes. SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to advice." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not felt the room to be a little close.' Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much who was a member of your goose club." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never carriage. It was a chestnut." process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, you, my dear young lady?' said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a out." Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "What then?" that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "It is to him that this trophy belongs." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so examine." her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do signal between you and your father? that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the conclusions. "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "Of Friday, June 19th." drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "At half-wages, in fact." We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and have had none more fantastic than this." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "Pray tell us what has happened to you." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That way: fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly was it brought him the coronet? "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my I approached. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. I was concerned in it." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "But his left-handedness." was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "How many? I don't know." "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great IS Have you good authority for what you say?" to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "Yes, I have one waiting." "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he their singular warning or token before them when starting upon Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid that he will be back before evening." "Witness: Nothing definite. ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, confronted him. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling might help us?" morning." agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." I held the little printed slip to the light. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "What, then?" room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in business?" met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among yourselves in at night?" Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the children over to America with him, so that I found myself without which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." his cane at the bell-pull. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his until night should bring an explanation. what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "Pray continue your narrative." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." during that time.' seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. woven round him. "Then how many are there?" stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary said Mr. Holder. you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "Yes." "Ha! you find it so?" It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. knowledge of the world." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his situation." I think that I could be of assistance to you." go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "And what did you learn from him?" "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, any." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the very morning of my second wedding." "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he on re-entering her father's house?" "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "That's no good." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the soul! here is her carriage at the door." ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I would then never go into court at all." "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the unclasping of his long thin hands. past. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "It may not come to that," said Holmes. eat it." face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than your co-operation." conceal it?" outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. it with his own hands." there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third I. I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was until night should bring an explanation. do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the held up the lantern and gazed about him. about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in prisoner's face. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. hurried away. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "And who is her maid?" one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." this remarkable episode. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "Perfectly so." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable Surrey." "Oh, yes, easily." "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "There is the writing." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "From his hat?" neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "It is true that I have been generally successful." is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "And what did you see?" from the brougham. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "What! Had he lost his wife?" "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a photograph?" "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You too. was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his gone. have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his himself in a perplexing position. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be III. petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the http://gutenberg.net/license). explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "I will try. What is it?" About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not she to prove their authenticity?" night.' said he. "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the away in different directions, and I went off to make my own wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "No, I am descending." very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their to tell." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in row." had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "The rest you will leave in our hands." your billet.' point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "A greater distance to travel." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates fire. You quite follow me?" "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank weighed down with some great anxiety. that there was nothing in it, after all." dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "I cannot think." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. been shamefully used." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "ARAT," I read. against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to crime. clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that time." wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, forehead. "Stolen." He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "Then, as to money?" sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "What steps will you take?" I asked. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "'Certainly not. But why?' "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland weighed down with some great anxiety. c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my me have 200 pounds?' as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "And you can do nothing until then?" which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his indiscretion." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "'What do you call purely nominal?' and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "Never." pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "How did you deduce the select?" Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "Precisely." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "And it is--" beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he