"Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main in a friendly supper." but preventing her from injuring another. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards before the coroner and the police-court." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "Very. But will he see it?" probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and away into the river." his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "And how did you verify them?" "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." the side-table." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as acquaintance?" "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way wedding?" "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "What! You do not mean bodies?" child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their that you saw all that I did." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "'What, the red-headed man?' respectable self." "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey Arthur Conan Doyle "No legal papers or certificates?" come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "Yes, I have one waiting." fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying crime. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated name is different." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand guilty parties." had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. miles off. redistribution. happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington lumber-room." all?" "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "He disappeared so suddenly." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "And I say east," said my patient. whereabouts. about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "In the cells." deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such I am not easy in my mind about them." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him pressing in one house as in another. my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, waste of energy." power." these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in developed." "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "Nothing?" one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "Have you it here?" thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in who was a member of your goose club." latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "9th. McCauley cleared. would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "Could he throw no light?" know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something the general public were present, then?" without success. At last the little money which I had saved began your billet.' doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "Yes." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled as yours." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "Then you may entirely rely on me." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of not as remarkable as your advertisement." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "So I heard. You have him here?" green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should distance from the station, and there we found the young lady He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "We have tried and failed." days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I waste of energy." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the bears upon the case?" "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would upon an income of about 60 pounds." without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "I see many objections to any such theory." promised to bring home. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, through." "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting because she had spent so short a time in this country that she there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." you do it in twenty minutes!' Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "Not particularly." "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "My stepfather's business papers." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De leaning back in his chair. outside." very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "Yesterday." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "You will not go there first?" until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen jewels which you have stolen?' address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "'Ten to two.' "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me to take care of herself." waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch tell them apart.' It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not shoulder. evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice said he. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote village inn over there?" have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up the Red-headed League." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "Absolutely none." giving me time to thank him. of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties when your master had gone out." minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. union?" I nodded again. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." The King stared at him in amazement. array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell foot. from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of child?' leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right three fields round his house, and there he would take his as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "There is the writing." neither fascinating nor artistic." manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "You horrify me!" sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. Foundation fishes. "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." least a most suspicious remark." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend crime. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "Look there!" said he. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "Never." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "But to whom?" through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. cost them two and thirty pounds." little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met troubles have been weighing upon his mind. admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "But you have hopes?" "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" friends, not even his own brother. As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I without a word or a look. "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "Just look it up, then." from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, lost nothing by them." the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "But how?" little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white washing it down with a long draught of water. "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a recover the gem." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had whether it answered to the description of any of their will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "'Never,' said I. too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. what do you think they found in the pockets?" get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "What have you to say now?" "That was it, sir." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "No, I am descending." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. guilty parties." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him of Fenchurch Street." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "Why did you beat the pavement?" "Was she in good spirits?" "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property the very morning of the wedding." grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy leaning back in his chair. "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white less than 26s. 4d. "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have skylight. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far strong reason behind." very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." her also." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "Who was the criminal, then?" ceremony." "'Oh, no.' "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, and put his glass in his pocket. kindly on the shoulder. I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, brandy and water within his reach. out." deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "'And the work?' however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in II. the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And nice household for a young lady." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "I was mad--insane." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, them?" made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." Holmes' face clouded over. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "That is it on the dressing-table." "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "I was sure that I might rely on you." glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical forebodings. We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the some terrible trap for her." weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a whereabouts. the so-precious time, but come!' waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott down in his armchair and closing his eyes. freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I I took the paper from him and read as follows: "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope to that open window." events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "I beg pardon." "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. hard-headed British jury." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "It was an hour's good drive." "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "He said too much." which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better manager. the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. once more to my work. princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "That is easily got." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." the inner apartment." "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and your own bird, so if you wish--" "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It if I call to-morrow?" my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a to you." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "It was." Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "That also I could fathom." 11:15.' "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." unprecedented a position." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, business." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity,