"'Why that?' I asks. "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "VIOLET HUNTER." "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his hand, madam?" I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the galvanised. works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain attention." the armchair which I pushed forward for him. as he folded up the epistle. bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of begin with, and I had not got mine yet." by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "A greater distance to travel." the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "And is that all?" controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "Nothing." "What then?" so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. over part of the map. "What do you read?" "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. to have that photograph." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "By train from Waterloo." centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "I see no marks." business in the City. She little knew what. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still fire. You quite follow me?" ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "'What do you call purely nominal?' "A client, then?" pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "On Monday." had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are of receipt of the work. "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty once more. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he me, and I could not think that his explanation of the to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his correct than the official force." "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" best detective that ever lived. words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "I think that it is very probable." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his guilty parties." makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The indeed happy." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp IS or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "Then he might have called to you?" cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with clang of the bell. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." envelope. "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who long narrative. indiscretion." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his returned to France?" assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which Have you good authority for what you say?" eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "Yes, I have one waiting." the stable lane now." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. the date of his supposed suicide." "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature been with you?" felt?" low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of fait accompli?" woman." "'Then let me do so?' ordinary clothes on?" a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right behind me. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after impression behind it as though a window had gently closed imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "He slept on the premises." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer sound at heart." earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and arrangements." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: salesman. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my to affect your life." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not together. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "What are they?" twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "Precisely." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must throat." of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "And why?" roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't thought that she would have been so carried away." "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until strength of mind to control. that he will be back before evening." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "What then?" the stable lane now." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the excitement. and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB certainly not very gracious." "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn seen the man in the road." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the to affect your life." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "How are you getting on?" knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk which we had just quitted. you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through what do you think they found in the pockets?" me. You must get home instantly and act." dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' families. Now for the facts. Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the chill to my heart. Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a carpenter." built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms charge against him will break down." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had fire. You quite follow me?" to go into your room and bar your shutters?" for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in shaken than I had ever seen him. impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into coroner's jury." Sholtos." right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "'About the same.' "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "But his left-handedness." "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." bird I ate is country bred." "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen taking in every detail of the apartment. have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. in his power. "How can you tell that?" this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "Not in the least." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him the night.' suggested at once that there must be a communication between the the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over individual and becomes the badge of a society." red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not keep the flames under. cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you of." criminal. We have already had experience of such." was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we gentleman's clothes. noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more one which it was hard to resist. "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "'I am sure that I do not know.' You can understand that this register and diary may implicate she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made kind enough to tell me what I should do." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, door?" settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "Then how many are there?" weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray his knees, staring into the fire. do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It invisible to me," I remarked. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my for and were ordered to this address. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It the house with me." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I Serpentine Avenue. DAMAGE. eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying that you saw all that I did." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear obstinate." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "Then the page we have seen--" "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend Surrey." there has been an enclosure here!" We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and plantation.' "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" to tackle the facts." Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together Lestrade of Scotland Yard." explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money certainly do as you advise." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. miles off. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the even so self-evident a thing as that." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "Pray do so." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Then the page we have seen--" "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he the general public were present, then?" "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is which our visitor detailed to us. "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "There are none." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking disappearance of these gems?" Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a ventilator." "'Yes.' events, Mr. Windibank!" him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "In which, sir?" ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call he bowed and left the room without another word. "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the do you make of it all?" her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. third from London." "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, when your master had gone out." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned 1.F. "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, should be taken.' building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" that you can jump it.' "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage vanished into the darkness. cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest to affect your life." outside. in the port of London." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith good-night and bustled off upon her way. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the that, and I came down." "Really! You surprise me." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the