very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it it. that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "What can you not understand?" inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the I. definite end. "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." details." "VIOLET HUNTER." for securing the situation." "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing of them has the shutters up.' "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and some place of shelter and let the county police know what has son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if the armchair which I pushed forward for him. but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "But she will refuse." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. hour?' the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "But how will you look?" and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel conversation I have gathered that they have been married about He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has this as likely?" "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a tail." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried distinguish the words: "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of me where it went to?" very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to dramatic, in fact." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "It's nothing of the kind." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "VIOLET HUNTER." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "The Cedars?" bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer written. when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "And is that all?" cigars in the box." and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Her father is very rich?" "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "I was certainly surprised to find you there." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the giving me time to thank him. pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "Two days later this same performance was gone through under full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an roused himself from his reverie. distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, once more for Briony Lodge. secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, putting in the horse. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man stood on the top of it. approach us with offers to donate. rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence I am not easy in my mind about them." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was Mrs. Toller serenely. your room." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, This is what he says: things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "'Oh, no.' "Not in a good cause." right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared DISSOLVED. those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even the salesman. ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "Not yet." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "Yes, certainly." the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "He said that you could solve anything." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him definite end. dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An of campaign. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. carpenter." by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. know all about it," he snarled. return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "'Never,' said I. "I am sure." nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should sake, don't!" that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "No, I am descending." also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, of his shoulders. determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is good-night and bustled off upon her way. deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known me have 200 pounds?' air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to own family. the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally jewels which you have stolen?' "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I is worth.' struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were all that?" "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "Her father is very rich?" the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "Well." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my my special province." the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit details." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the are, I think, all that we need." considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which towards the blaze. with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his know all about it," he snarled. and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the it right.' face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "How can you tell that?" step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us my little problems." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My his grey eyes. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "What are they?" specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "I see many objections to any such theory." But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "And how have you succeeded?" comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to stood on the top of it. absolutely follow my advice in every respect." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked business came to an end." once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, annoyance, but no jest. It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a sparkled upon his finger. he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his was feeling which was the fattest.' "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." helping a boy to put up the shutters. "He slept on the premises." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action you." Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "ARAT," I read. "Well, but China?" my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "No bad?" keep the flames under. sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "Certainly, madam." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "I will, Miss Turner." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "It is no ordinary one." mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across his face. is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "And that is--" Eyford at 11:15.' everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "At half-wages, in fact." result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "I came to find a friend." established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "No, I am descending." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "Your French gold?" varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very something of him before." "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are sneer upon his pale face. "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "No." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my guilty one." the inner apartment." in him." straightened it out again. astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is for securing the situation." She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "You heard nothing yourself last night?" here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf through." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "Well?" she might be summoned. "Upon what point?" whereabouts. "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: bachelor.' "'A dozen yards or so.' "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." I am not easy in my mind about them." years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused in darkness. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off and that he would see to anything that turned up. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my developed." "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should to surprise her." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." instincts rose up against that laugh. both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "The Coroner: What do you mean? and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative them?" from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his call it cruel." "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "'It is locked up,' I answered. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must drove away. police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him enter into my head. meanly of me." it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of night.' said he. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive grasp, he hurried from the room. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and