steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, key turn in the lock." "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "Why serious?" her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "Stolen, then." "'Where to?' "You think so, too?" "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock waste of energy." "What! You do not mean bodies?" tightly behind him. "So I heard. You have him here?" chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson Doctor, of the paper and the date." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the Holmes' face clouded over. "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the at my remark. heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. get the tickets." professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his anything to a woman, for she would have her way." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "But how did you gain them?" there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "Not yet." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" she has been waylaid. There has been no result." later, upon the night of May 2nd." cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "And for present expenses?" man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no Mary, has deserted me." abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little obstinate." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country purpose of examination. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. know that the truth is known." "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of your most interesting statement." then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both considering the formidable letters which were received by himself fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "Stolen, then." "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "And I say east," said my patient. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a Young McCarthy must be got off, however." was a loud and authoritative tap. a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "Perfectly so." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "Where, indeed?" he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my means taking possession of that which another person has a prior cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." instincts rose up against that laugh. a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "A thing like a cleaver," said he. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable opened the door, and slipped through. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. putting in the horse. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking again, where I was soon asleep. roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "Entirely." platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "'It is locked up,' I answered. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that would then never go into court at all." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get enough to aid us in our search." pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the within hail.' think that any burglar could have done. web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, carpenter." showing my impatience. will not take me long to tell. heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. few hundred pounds.' saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "Pray let us have it, for all that." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to Edgeware Road. Dr. Gregory B. Newby "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, hurried away. thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece 11:15.' far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of him to be an active member of the medical profession." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "No, finished." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "'Oh, no.' abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the when your master had gone out." ran thus: through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "And Irene Adler?" subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent at a side door. "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you that threaten you." A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of sofa. This way, please!" "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "And what did you see?" wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such asked with his eyes open. they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." miles off. Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. it." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "Witness: Nothing definite. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the village inn over there?" unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. shaken than I had ever seen him. murdered man." something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between been able to understand it, in a very few words. what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "It looks newer than the other things?" wife's character?" other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "Only as much as we can deduce." bedroom door." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "Was your sister dressed?" compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, future lives." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of developed." "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." what these perils are?" fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I habit of advancing money.' The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." off." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "If I can be of use." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" thin, with a long, sharp nose?" and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in with some details as to your case." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of open." "What then?" "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at conduct the inquiry." however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her her also." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "It certainly sounds feasible." "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "I answered that I had not. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to once more on the important position which you have been fortunate the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is said I. station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret him nearly every evening." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "'I am sure that I do not know.' you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel there were one or two details which were new to me. But the Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. Mrs. Toller serenely. It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still that he will be back before evening." sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my forebodings. "How are you getting on?" A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the indeed which he could not unravel. "But you have hopes?" gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "Bought." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who the coronet at all injured?" "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a a monotonous occupation." passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking hour." charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence she used." "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "Not yet." "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Holmes, the busybody!" right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "About a month then." the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "My stepfather's business papers." over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." strength in the others." one of them." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing up this clue while it is still hot." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "That is it on the dressing-table." other means.' "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "Was he the only applicant?" "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his events than those which have happened in my own family." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be prison!" "I was certainly surprised to find you there." photograph?" "He might." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at persecution?" He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call him and tried to hold him back. was a loud and authoritative tap. The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. me upon any point which I do not make clear." DISSOLVED. I. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "It is to him that this trophy belongs." we went to search for him, face downward in a little too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you the devil!" occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while it. "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "I should like to see him very much." the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but about. you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. until night should bring an explanation. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the in a very precise fashion." shoulder. rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you lost his Christmas dinner." A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in with frightened eyes at his accuser. "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to during that time.' "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "I cannot tell." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "The murder was done with it." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before him to go away.' business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "No. His orders were to stay in the house." an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could your only hope of safety." brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each