her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "Then I shall certainly come." better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and against a man in the prime of life?" been with you?" unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. hard-headed British jury." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he strength in the others." "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to really the only notable feature about the thing." "And why?" walking." think, you have already met." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "And it is--" compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New exactly what you advise." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "Then the page we have seen--" unkempt, staring out at me. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself as this. Pray let me have the details." his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out that I may have something better before very many minutes are A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "How did you trace it, then?" the matter." when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, that the gas is not laid on in his house?" are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to them?" of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of beg that you will break it off." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local get her out of the way." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such God! What an exposure! What can I do?" beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our chair. could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "But of what society?" "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "You have carte blanche." fled together." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, meanly of me." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "I will not look." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in own family. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet with some details as to your case." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." questionable one." to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and for its centre. "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he several quiet little villages up there." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite against a man in the prime of life?" the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "None." "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "Nothing?" my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with McCarthy's innocence. St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the from you?" Lee, in the county of Kent." Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and go--none." they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and 1.E.9. well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "And your father? Did you tell him?" his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "I am about to be married." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "Tired-looking or fresh?" But Holmes shook his head gravely. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "I was sure that I might rely on you." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, deduce something from that?" suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl wanted for ourselves." served to weaken the effect. "He is still with you, I presume?" never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "An accident, I presume?" "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "I cannot imagine." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran said he at last. professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "The Coroner: What do you mean? whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to appointment with me for six o'clock?" flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His she to prove their authenticity?" strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "Dr. Becher's." Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their whether it answered to the description of any of their of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed thought that she would have been so carried away." "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had case-book, which he consulted. streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which over his head with a sweet womanly caress. inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "Because he was handy and would come cheap." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. mystery!" "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local strong and stiff." "Stoke Moran?" said he. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "No, thank goodness, she did not." Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my goes." matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "To ruin me." dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two and shall probably return to London by the evening train." would then never go into court at all." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, were wasted." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts fluttered off among the others. "What have you to say now?" the tragedy. bears upon the case?" o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let back to my heart. we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "What can you not understand?" "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his it. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "None." he bowed and left the room without another word. upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time 1.F. when your master had gone out." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he see me here to avoid scandal." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "But I am all in the dark." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "'I am sure if I had known--' "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our to that open window." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "Ha! you find it so?" been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "Nothing." it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "'Yes, I promise.' ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he humiliation." Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile overpowering excitement and concern. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at all?" lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. to go into your room and bar your shutters?" horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At think you a quite exceptional woman." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." Lestrade of Scotland Yard." day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into there was no need for father to know." "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "It is his hat." us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "Ample." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying bird I ate is country bred." the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, conversation I have gathered that they have been married about though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "Get out!" said he. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of know what is wrong with it.' "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms good for you to do.' the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of most important business. It is probable that he will be away all of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "Yes, it was twisted." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a father's place of business?" your sleep?' however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a with some details as to your case." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He chambers. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying during that time.' "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. written. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler words came to my lips. as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he of them has the shutters up.' desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "I see many objections to any such theory." passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with me." we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, business." son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a to-night." His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw disappearance of the bride.'" "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with until night should bring an explanation. "Yes." http://gutenberg.net/license). "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we Watson," he said cordially. not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "No, distinctly professional." your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all your most interesting statement." that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. Clair, of Lee." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it them?" Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am nonsense.' "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "'Certainly,' I answered. "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the was feeling which was the fattest.' woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "That's no good." sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "I would pay ten." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and and your relations to her." "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to foot. rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There foot. other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside redistribution. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few Surrey." foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary once more to my work. London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which never came back." occurred." "And you thought he was pulled back?" existence." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and you." between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped noting anything else of interest. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the