business at Coburg Square is serious." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus fattened it expressly for you.' hurried away. flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly sentimental considerations in the background which would induce It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same lost his Christmas dinner." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from and laid it on the table. "Where, then, is my wife?" may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "But I have heard all that you have heard." "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those may have an influence upon European history." well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I morning." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at ago." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "It is a murder, then?" first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for signal between you and your father? "Did he not advertise?" slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' particular state visit http://pglaf.org 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two and effective." you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with lamp in his hand. may never be exposed to such a temptation." "How on earth--" with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I points to suicide?" is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "How did you deduce the select?" "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and congratulate you again." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "But the mystery?" from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were sit on the left-hand side of the driver." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "'It is locked up,' I answered. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. his face which made him a very different person to the round, still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining started for the Temple to see my husband. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your searched, without anything being found which could incriminate known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' may never be exposed to such a temptation." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was it." "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found wedding?" "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten your room." continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the call it cruel." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "Who by?" was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind details should find their way into the papers. Inspector round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "Do you go out much in society?" upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed walking." hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel will be renamed. most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the asked with his eyes open. made him keep the appointment." opportunities to fix the problem. livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed been deceived." "Yes, certainly." clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from heavy and sharp instrument." the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle way: huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. better in every way that they should make their position a little began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "Why did you pick him?" "Very. But will he see it?" understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "But you can know nothing of this?" "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to nights." the morning and make my own way in the world.' address. everything which you would wish to know." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my soul! here is her carriage at the door." happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the be.' "That is unusual in a young girl." he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "No." "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid time." last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "And I say east," said my patient. pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "But of what society?" have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "But to whom?" sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. come either from the window or the door. My attention was We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "'Certainly not.' "Why? What do you mean?" I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "I never have." "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "But how?" "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "And from a noble client?" accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "It is possible." over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "He said that you could solve anything." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up upon the white wrist. as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "Yes, sir." Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a once more. orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "What then?" from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital his fortune, and I went back to pa. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "That's no good." wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom it means?" It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at empty. during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm footfalls from the street. "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "I know where it is." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous of receipt of the work. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a province." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I wedding?" me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a him. just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "And from a noble client?" time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's Mary, has deserted me." Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient you." "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. whole matter to your consideration." him to be an active member of the medical profession." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." from you?" takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, next day. off." estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "Come in!" said he. "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. believe that I should never have any practice at all. you, my dear young lady?' interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he of Fenchurch Street." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution mystery!" it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so relation between them, and what the object of his repeated some water from a caraffe. "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was thought that she would have been so carried away." an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "And leave your case unfinished?" boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. corner of the building. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. feature." who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which depend upon my doing so.' Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "Here?" I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to chill to my heart. "She will not sell." "Well, but China?" disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "The vanishing of the lady." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "There is the writing." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "I am following you closely," I answered. despair." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to should be taken.' regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who one of the states of the Union." day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course for the market.' "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His Sutherland. laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." of receipt of the work. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "But how will you look?" that there was nothing in it, after all." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when sufficient punishment." can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in lost nothing by them." absorbing." "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms call you and give you the chance." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "Yes." him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them entirely devoid of interest." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "But you have hopes?" of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "Yes, that is the Crown." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. burst into a hearty fit of laughter. She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood fish-monger and a tide-waiter." right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but several quiet little villages up there." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "'About the same.' and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "If I can be of use." it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then with the outside air!" one else, I think." his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and child?' "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive considering the formidable letters which were received by himself snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business My friend smiled. works.