The telegram which we eventually received came late one night abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "She walked into the breakfast-room." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular straightened it out again. "Seven!" I answered. written, and locked the door of the office after me. age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. one of the states of the Union." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my affair. believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make distinguish the words: and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the the house with me." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. ordinary clothes on?" there in twenty minutes." "But you have hopes?" matter over." I think that I could be of assistance to you." affair. investigation." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was with her." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the something of him before." during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "And I say east," said my patient. "And what did you see?" he bowed and left the room without another word. my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. from the brougham. the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." go back?" "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every nonsense.' Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "'I have heard so.' weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical dramatic, in fact." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "It goes to the housekeeper's room." waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch south, for the country is more deserted there." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "Oh, the cause is excellent!" fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "Precisely so. But how--" green of the new foliage. near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining drawing your inferences." Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind corner of the building. upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "Where did you address your letters, then?" in my life." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her open." mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. come either from the window or the door. My attention was night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my Leadenhall Street--and--" "Then, as to money?" if I call to-morrow?" the room while you explain this matter?" come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and address. Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my question," said Holmes, smiling. India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been quite distinctive." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "And the murderer?" that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "Married! When?" case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. man. I know him from the photograph." my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream the child." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands depend upon your compliance." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "Then he might have called to you?" prove to be little relation between the different incidents of I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "Your French gold?" dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private you for a few hours?" has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "Come in!" said Holmes. carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was make me his representative both with the servants and with the conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the round and wave him away like that.' "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit which was all perfectly true. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "None. Neville wrote those words." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "Why serious?" both be extremely obliged.' There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret are, and they are waiting for us." "And what did you see?" out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "I say that I have solved it." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable already referred to. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a the King without delay." something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from Again Holmes raved in the air. "There are none." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel gbnewby@pglaf.org discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw the loss of it. "Certainly, madam." "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running particular state visit http://pglaf.org "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put ourselves in the office." which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "But to whom?" could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose matter." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. name is different." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, weapon." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the case-book, which he consulted. brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. undoubtedly my uncle's." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand call the police, let the police find what they can.' of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we might help us?" "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed them?" adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the might help us?" in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "Game for a morning drive?" say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of later, upon the night of May 2nd." matter over." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' bedroom door." set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out her also." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." bonnet, and went out." strength in the others." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" who was a member of your goose club." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped with the outside air!" considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door I shall continue with my miserable story. therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that newspaper selections." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "You think that he is dead?" which was all perfectly true. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "I shall be delighted." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where used to be." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has happened." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." papers on the sundial.'" Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were you in your example." would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." them, and came down just as you departed. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of Heh?' isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle despaired of." beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his This is what he says: drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all look upon these things in a different way." Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "A client, then?" corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "How do you know, then?" of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was hopeless attempt at recovering them." out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man than to us. him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. affair. the coroner come to?" "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry the little opening for the ventilator is." has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that wife's character?" introspective fashion. business matters.' left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "I have a cab outside." American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." me have 200 pounds?' "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his call you and give you the chance." estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't geese which you supplied to the Alpha." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "In answer to an advertisement." few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he was keenly on my guard against him. Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "It is no ordinary one." into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad it. I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" You want to know what became of those geese?" avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his have I gained?" the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her to miss it." "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who stood on the top of it. bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, have I gained?" We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "Yes." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest you." "But how?" has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet system of imprisonment?" follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, maid will bring up your coffee." was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I presented more singular features than that which was associated "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have your own bird, so if you wish--" "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "That is unusual in a young girl." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and the so-precious time, but come!' repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "A greater distance to travel." thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that least a fellow-countryman. about. drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor you want, then?' room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest to-night?" I asked. the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." once more. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder pressing in one house as in another. Street. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's what I may call a really hard day's work." side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to was it brought him the coronet? at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, astonishment. way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "A call for help, you thought?" of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay child?' IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "Awake, Watson?" he asked. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a