"And how in the world did you find them?" IS connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "'I have heard so.' to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten whatever might befall. flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." started for the Temple to see my husband. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an washing it down with a long draught of water. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, your most interesting statement." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "Never." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "But you have hopes?" him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was suggested at once that there must be a communication between the place, I think that there is good ground to think that the building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded pound a week." I was concerned in it." "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, call you and give you the chance." the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "Very much so." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching know all about it," he snarled. of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his not interfere, come what may. You understand?" branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and of fine shops and stately business premises that they really the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get think that he is innocent?" particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young happened." little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "It is his hat." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you of the one which your family is now devouring." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "But how will you look?" between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free Holmes' room. "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." not fit the lock." is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he lamp in his hand. was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to an introduction to him?" here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive habit of advancing money.' though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the waste of energy." gigantic client. his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "You did not overhear what they said?" "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "And how did he make his money?" "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, outside. "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, that you can jump it.' Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "What have you to say now?" "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do man. of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "Your presence might be invaluable." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "BALLARAT." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. not use it unless it is absolutely needed." him." akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the questionable one." he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "'Very good.' forebodings. urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the wife's character?" "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are what these perils are?" hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew made his money." than was visible to me." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a of it with the greatest attention. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking later, upon the night of May 2nd." "And when will you call?" note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I and wait." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her for and were ordered to this address. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by sparkled upon his finger. came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third the salesman. opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. nonsense.' my little problems." baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "I am about to be married." of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "Then I do not see the point." mysterious end." too. "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "I would give my fortune to have them back." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "On Monday." it. "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, orange pips. collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we question you as to those details which seem to me to be most his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "Look there!" said he. with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "Look there!" said he. not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "I was sure that I might rely on you." reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and them?" was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. room?" moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "Perhaps we may make them less so." "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "Which are?" Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I miles off. confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be chill to my heart. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we his eyes and forehead. across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up there was no need for father to know." foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life and no precautions can guard against." "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a a suggestive one." himself. "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "The vanishing of the lady." he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "Bought." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite burst out into a roar of laughter. wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a purpose of examination. We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he fashion which was peculiar to him. for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for the night.' I nodded to show that I had heard. nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing electronic works any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not she used." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the fear." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made room?" that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well the south-west, I see." downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought there was no need for father to know." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called which should have the effect of calling the attention of the of the one which your family is now devouring." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in a suggestive one." running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a and put his glass in his pocket. like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again hopeless attempt at recovering them." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its unkempt, staring out at me. year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire His name is Francis Prosper." down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the DISSOLVED. rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' that there was nothing in it, after all." rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert said he. address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, other, as fresh and trim as possible. observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most troubles have been weighing upon his mind. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." colonel looking down at me. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in written. "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "Then, as to money?" Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself relation between them, and what the object of his repeated relation between them, and what the object of his repeated Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "Stolen, then." "Who by?" time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "Frequently." very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his society." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are and a shock of very red hair. "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" any little problem which you may submit to me." not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "What!" he roared. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "I have seen the police." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his your own bird, so if you wish--" England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "It is a murder, then?" any." "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' Have you good authority for what you say?" attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "Will you go?" stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked bed dies. Does not that strike you?" seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "How many? I don't know." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for late." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural assist you in forming an opinion." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I here and I will read it to you: accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "What, then, did Peterson do?" job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" you give your casting vote to?" see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the a very grave face. presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, Farm upon the left." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed with her." and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend answered with a sidelong glance. for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "I will try. What is it?" had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much him." "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "By no means." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "I was certainly surprised to find you there." would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another gentleman's clothes. the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "Will you bet, then?" reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do voice, changing her seat as requested. the stable lane now." "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He both be extremely obliged.' You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "Yes, there are nearly always some there." St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is than to us. "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and matter." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "Precisely." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you people in all walks of life. "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, McCarthy." inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. plantation.' the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "But what will you do?" the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in