just called myself is not exactly my own." cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "Yes, sir." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "Nothing?" "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "'Certainly not. But why?' "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and constraint." bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding disappearance of the bride.'" left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, your own bird, so if you wish--" shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "Why serious?" to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was them present such singular features as the strange train of to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the meant it for the best. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of brought there to personate someone, and the real person is quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been name is different." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing problems help me to do so." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "And you thought he was pulled back?" "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a and the colonel ushered me in. which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. for the market.' Edgeware Road. us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's eavesdroppers?' "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "But she could not love him." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into the roots. Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "Who by?" face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have dead, shall be safe with us." was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "Yes?" He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this photograph?" "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "Then I shall certainly come." "Then you may be so with me." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "We must have a cab." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "Then, as to money?" written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "Two days later this same performance was gone through under heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "Why, what do you mean?" from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became recover the gem." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, case-book, which he consulted. position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place himself. dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of peculiar to him. "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, them present such singular features as the strange train of the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the has little to do with my story." to-morrow." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her that there was nothing in it, after all." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I certainly do as you advise." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you formed some opinion?" the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in himself in a perplexing position. "'I am sure that I do not know.' suddenly upon us." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich the night.' ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "A greater distance to travel." Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be place, I think that there is good ground to think that the understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands the tragedy. list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the over here." trying to your nerves." "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official tassel actually lying upon the pillow. of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at the loss of it. "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' case-book, which he consulted. is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the the station." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "They are typewritten," I remarked. routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, and the church but not where the lady lived." heavy and sharp instrument." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for to you." is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. letters?" "And did you observe any change in her then?" "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which went to the Alpha were town bred." I shall continue with my miserable story. no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "No, I think that I'll take it." "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "I never have." against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "Yes, it was twisted." she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. papers diligently of late, have you not?" to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief could go. scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "I will do it." "Then I do not see the point." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize already referred to. "Pray be precise as to details," said he. As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's crackling voice. homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. your bag." very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, Pope's Court. "Stolen." month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his posted to-day." "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather hard-headed British jury." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "He said that you could solve anything." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." points to suicide?" "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at from you?" error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. to me. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united disturbance in my wife." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "You horrify me." dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home them?" his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of examine." exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "And how?" "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, occurred." becomes even more simple." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my IS "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those hands. "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may was a loud and authoritative tap. "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the but preventing her from injuring another. "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle stood on the top of it. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her call for it in person on Monday morning.' violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, me, and I could not think that his explanation of the situation." "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house certainly not very gracious." clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as I shall communicate with you." How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "Dr. Becher's." Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, pound a week." The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital since then to throw any light upon what became of him." to-night?" I asked. in your London, you will know that the office of the company is we went to search for him, face downward in a little have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "No?" I nodded to show that I had heard. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by four million human beings all jostling each other within the course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly like that before?" whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "If so, much may have happened between." tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" carriage. It was a chestnut." "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my since then to throw any light upon what became of him." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the house for five minutes.' dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking 1.E.9. but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and not as remarkable as your advertisement." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in populous neighbourhood." "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "My dear Holmes!" 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several very old mansion. to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from gigantic client. that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing dear old homesteads?" light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from what do you think they found in the pockets?" the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if