slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "What, then?" "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, to-night." of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "Then the page we have seen--" "That you are never beaten." Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "Where did you address your letters, then?" accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had appeared upon the scene." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to long narrative. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "Why did you beat the pavement?" the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, horse could go." right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "It is no ordinary one." suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the face and glided from the room. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend think you a quite exceptional woman." "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" obstinate." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "Absolutely?" instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "Will you bet, then?" of receipt of the work. head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. Holmes' thin, eager face. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced that, and I came down." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern things are very often connected not with the larger but with the and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 eat it." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "You have it, sir, just as it happened." exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that of it with the greatest attention. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "You have compromised yourself seriously." criminal. We have already had experience of such." The King stared at him in amazement. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' Countess of Morcar's?" "I promise," said Holmes. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled there were one or two details which were new to me. But the push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "What will you do, then?" been." should be so warm over such a trifle." had formerly been in part my own. my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a and glanced through. he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. quite distinctive." help us in this matter." "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "Yes, sir." sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "In which, sir?" That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, absolutely follow my advice in every respect." you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your heavy and sharp instrument." asked with his eyes open. akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." and have this put in the evening papers." the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have own family. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss might have a private word with us. to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a thought that she would have been so carried away." "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use and wait." sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "No." the bed, and you in that chair." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "To the police?" "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a means taking possession of that which another person has a prior SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "When did she vanish, then?" after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of official police." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock sooner or later she must fall a victim. it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, window when the police appeared." criminal. We have already had experience of such." for the market.' yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, and capable of preserving a secret.' thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his Foundation life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, is," said he presently: harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A a suggestive one." strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "I promise," said Holmes. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "But to whom?" week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked both be extremely obliged.' Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must behind me. "I am still in the dark." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "Absolutely none." dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. desk. enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of II. of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the shoulder; "he's all right." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel the Red-headed League." "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me ashen face. "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "At what time?" these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and know all about it," he snarled. and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong goes." "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie present." room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "Then the page we have seen--" since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "Yes." "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It is now desirous of getting those letters back." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia people in all walks of life. His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "In heaven's name, what for?" insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "Which are?" nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the for securing the situation." father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at quick march!" was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full dead, shall be safe with us." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. said he, "my real name is James Ryder." ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner dead, shall be safe with us." "I saw her in conversation with her maid." test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." father's place of business?" "'Certainly,' I answered. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "And how?" "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "You'll never persuade me to believe that." perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester could go. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I place no limit on the sum I may draw." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "What office?" places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper the dangers which encompass me." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was within hail.' "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most what is your own theory as to what took place?" of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." brandy and water within his reach. "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. But Holmes shook his head gravely. inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "The rest you will leave in our hands." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "I cannot as yet see any connection." Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "I would give my fortune to have them back." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "Yes." "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "Yesterday." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "Well, but China?" in this way: ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "Then, how do you know?" outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what will he say when he returns?" shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock later, upon the night of May 2nd." "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very desk. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was that I can to serve you." conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "You horrify me!" there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, the Red-headed League." tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a shoulder; "he's all right." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present their singular warning or token before them when starting upon derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more few hundred pounds.' rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution outsides of the windows. so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching the morning and make my own way in the world.' confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler sooner or later she must fall a victim. completely overtopped every other consideration that we both it." to his chemical studies. Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "'A dozen yards or so.' do." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a outside." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! if I call to-morrow?" "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said DAMAGE. "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "Well, some hundreds of times." to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a would then never go into court at all." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is of your young ladies.' there." she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your there." admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "Really! You surprise me." father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the unkempt, staring out at me. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "'And what salary do you ask?' thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, voice, changing her seat as requested. again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "Tired-looking or fresh?" upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the one which it was hard to resist. dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," could go. were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. fatally injured? done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with take the flies, but not before." either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter in his hands." sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." and your relations to her." call for protection in the marriage market, for the present