been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in place of silver." time." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I golden eyeglasses. Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "Were they all fastened this morning?" the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur people in all walks of life. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding outside. for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already how narrow had been my escape. equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt who was a member of your goose club." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to strong reason behind." his huge brown hands. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per society." Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "Why, what do you mean?" heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a than to us. or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to himself to hunt down. I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the conversation I have gathered that they have been married about gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind your troubles." heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, are, and they are waiting for us." round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So with some details as to your case." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "But how could you guess what the motive was?" impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one been with you?" away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "That is not always so easy." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to eat it." "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond you?" friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "What are they?" spare." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. about. home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind IS she used." They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes congratulate you again." his fortune, and I went back to pa. may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "That is not always so easy." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, and glanced through. but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I careless servant girl?" "An accident, I presume?" window when the police appeared." A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any Holmes." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work the coronet at all injured?" orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left congratulate you again." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his roused himself from his reverie. Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "And why?" the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall that before taking the final step I should like to submit the husband's writing, madam." "How did you trace it, then?" himself in a perplexing position. "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham any." Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door writing, and yet I know it well." been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. made his money." and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even woven round him. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've girl said." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying that I can to serve you." served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a crowd. pity, because in other respects you would really have done very thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to very morning of my second wedding." The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced a little more before I quite committed myself. the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and the very letters. But what is this written above them?' Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to the inner apartment." and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from help us in this matter." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes showing my impatience. accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the extraordinary contortions. his fortune, and I went back to pa. "One horse?" interjected Holmes. married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as you in yours." toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I I shall communicate with you." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "That sounds a little paradoxical." very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, very morning of my second wedding." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments not interfere, come what may. You understand?" because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "Won't it ring?" ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and outside." that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I of it with the greatest attention. season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. the very morning of the wedding." acquaintance?" sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! arrested. You then--" just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" very old mansion. mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, companion. the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and newspaper selections." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "What can you not understand?" "A thing like a cleaver," said he. I nodded again. "Stolen." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "Not in the least." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "But what is it you wish?" lids now and glanced across at his visitor. often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "At the wedding breakfast." residence of the great financier. out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "I cannot imagine." "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "What office?" say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has retorted upon me, and I on you." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to train from Paddington which would bring you there at about must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "No, I think that I'll take it." the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or one of them." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me Miss Holder?" as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and indeed happy." We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought to you." the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings politicians who had been sent down from the North. to have been novel and of interest." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. been lifted and conveyed somewhere." Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "What have you to say now?" in the port of London." and looked back. Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "Never." of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely were wasted." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "I was mad--insane." "Absolutely?" servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, papers." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan gigantic client. the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "And why?" "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two anything to a woman, for she would have her way." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. to some other building. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "Why serious?" "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." where we are going." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if had this final quarrel? very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn carpenter." few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a crowd. where Mr. Fordham shows you.' pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case searched, without anything being found which could incriminate I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "I am about to be married." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was where Mr. Fordham shows you.' 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "I came to find a friend." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the father's young wife. is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on The events in question occurred in the early days of my "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to in this way: fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. the night.' It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "Ha! you find it so?" controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his the loss of it. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "The vanishing of the lady." single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the But Holmes shook his head gravely. get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of round and wave him away like that.' "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his of them has the shutters up.' "I have come for advice." implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came relief. call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's is entirely a question of barometric pressure." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to not interfere, come what may. You understand?" and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed on re-entering her father's house?" being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "No sign of it?" and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low our word." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with key of the affair now." it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "On your arm?" walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. we went to search for him, face downward in a little is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "Murdered?" very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just child?' purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "One?" "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage I have it here in my museum." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "Where is it, then?" can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in upon an income of about 60 pounds." age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to he. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic spark where all is dark to me." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return writers could invent nothing more crude." Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in threw himself down with his face to the pillow. sound at heart." empty. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an held up the lantern and gazed about him. rat could hardly pass through." look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not will not take me long to tell. "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my strode off upon his way. "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just the bottom.' of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able Arthur Conan Doyle "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "You horrify me."