our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it galvanised. Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a chemical work which was so dear to him. old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring reach." the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "She showed me, as I told you she would." "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps yards of it?' Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, noting anything else of interest. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. presented which may be striking and bizarre without being window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? of receipt of the work. a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. mystery!" heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging at once, for I have only half an hour." to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort with some details as to your case." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. happened." they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "It is solved." "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "Very truly yours, thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was unprofitable." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. father's place of business?" Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps hopeless attempt at recovering them." roused himself from his reverie. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the as this. Pray let me have the details." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never appeared upon the scene." "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about a room. insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. in a very precise fashion." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce Leave Paddington by the 11:15." electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without frequently gained my first real insight into the character of is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are very peculiar words of the dying woman?" had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "You think that he is dead?" "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls suggested at once that there must be a communication between the in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and there were one or two details which were new to me. But the settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other article?" places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "But we can't all be." had picked up in the wood. "What steps will you take?" I asked. "To an end?" "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it disturbance in my wife." perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the eat it." ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his extraordinary contortions. have got?" cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. row." my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "Ample." giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. affair. the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, or other trace. But how on earth--" been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "Then the page we have seen--" were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "Nothing." "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a gbnewby@pglaf.org everything which you would wish to know." you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his lost nothing by them." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From be.' not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these examination of the premises, but without finding anything which was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I place no limit on the sum I may draw." follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "What can you not understand?" left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "Bought." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood peculiar to him. drawing your inferences." it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of the inquest, and which are worth considering." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, think that any burglar could have done. as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the with the outside air!" of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "It is solved." politicians who had been sent down from the North. request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been States. opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "Dark enough and sinister enough." "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is to that open window." so far?" the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "I am to be neutral?" not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See the side-table." hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "To an English lawyer named Norton." eavesdroppers?' "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." friend's singular character. on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men started for the Temple to see my husband. "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. in him." belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "I cannot tell." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he American. Then who could this American be, and why should he and your relations to her." cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have one which it was hard to resist. of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been question. anything to a woman, for she would have her way." pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had to have been novel and of interest." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and chill to my heart. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil how narrow had been my escape. "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I formed some opinion?" man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "Really! You surprise me." "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently Holmes' face clouded over. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a go--none." was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "But it has twice been burgled." your equipment. following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your me." "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land wedding?" "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All in my life." "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "But to whom?" at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "Has he come with you to-night?" Young McCarthy must be got off, however." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my delighted to hear it," he said. door?" 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "And the cigar-holder?" prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a villagers almost as much as their master. and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do touch that coronet?' conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been soul! here is her carriage at the door." threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "Well, but China?" the very morning of the wedding." see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. people in all walks of life. of the efforts of the United States government and of the better perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "Not in the least." in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "Not yet." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "I beg pardon." The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker to-night?" I asked. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. you." these bleak autumnal evenings." relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "And the cigar-holder?" "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and you understand?" Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a searched, without anything being found which could incriminate I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, amused." one else, I think." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion gone. would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, matter over." ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the walking." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at too. call you and give you the chance." compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but is worth.' "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "It is solved." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "She walked into the breakfast-room." an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key main points of my analysis." "You were travelling in the States?" that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "One horse?" interjected Holmes. a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "But you were on a friendly footing?" nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at very old mansion. Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very this unhappy family?" finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day the matter?" the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A photograph a cabinet?" graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable fear." of the one which your family is now devouring." on in his house." pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can bled considerably." figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "Breckinridge is his name." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "His face fell immediately. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" his knees, staring into the fire. say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' throat." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, this man was intellectual?" standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you other, as fresh and trim as possible. a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a man. informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not yards of it?' man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of rat could hardly pass through." I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "And now?" I asked. strong reason behind." companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "My Mary? Impossible!" this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. noting anything else of interest. the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "Well, some hundreds of times." said he at last. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had the warnings." cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "I was certainly surprised to find you there." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up you." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, existence." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most business at Coburg Square is serious." other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Bought." the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew