Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the maid will bring up your coffee." "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "What! You do not mean bodies?" Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "About a month then." fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the your most interesting statement." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as burst out into a roar of laughter. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "One of the highest in England." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set just called myself is not exactly my own." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the the bed, and you in that chair." her also." though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. feature." the running down." "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left where she found matters as described by the last witness. "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door late!' "'Most admirably.' "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique invisible to me," I remarked. confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his relief. "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was made him keep the appointment." good for you to do.' upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." handed it to him. making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us Leadenhall Street--and--" may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and knowledge of the world." disturbance in my wife." States. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. stood on the top of it. "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "Nearly eleven." shaken than I had ever seen him. a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with British peeress.'" surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." in a friendly supper." people in all walks of life. police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "He might." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of the date of his supposed suicide." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "Where did he live, then?" roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the behind me. "Ah!" noise which awoke you from your sleep?" in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every Holmes' room. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece heavy and sharp instrument." had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "Did your wife hear all this?" In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "Very. But will he see it?" valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would you." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? opportunities to fix the problem. is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of matter." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, vague figure huddled up in the darkness. Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. other lovers by making love himself." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "But what is it you wish?" to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you I shall communicate with you." indiscretion." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "And how in the world did you find them?" individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "How did you deduce the select?" "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "'Not at all. I only doubt--' 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I when your master had gone out." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without to take care of herself." hair?' "I never have." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I this remarkable episode. problems help me to do so." main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "No." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah records." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two of them has the shutters up.' from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "And how in the world did you find them?" Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of flock.' after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be people don't know." Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just of Mr. Rucastle's." I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause our word." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." helping a boy to put up the shutters. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "Yes, there are nearly always some there." from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "'Oh, no.' and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy him to be an active member of the medical profession." "Texas, I think." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Quite so." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. means taking possession of that which another person has a prior standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, friends, not even his own brother. should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "Married! When?" "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come only touch the interest." too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "A greater distance to travel." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if three of the beryls in it, was missing. his knees, staring into the fire. laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "Perhaps we may make them less so." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases tear off another piece?' near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an gentleman's clothes. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "Not him." the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "I do." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "Then you may be so with me." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "He disappeared so suddenly." I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner to have been novel and of interest." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies the stones. going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "'Very good.' "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "And the cigar-holder?" year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used his face. While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we what do you think they found in the pockets?" think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "That is easily got." I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. my friend's incisive reasoning. following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "So I am. Very much so." "No." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to what do you think they found in the pockets?" "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable shall use the carriage to-night." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you reach." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work that I may have something better before very many minutes are therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "Very much so." definite end. to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "And what did you learn from him?" spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion God! What an exposure! What can I do?" the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six time." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: tapping his fingers upon the table. Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a what these perils are?" "Where to?" "It is very clear." moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the your bag." "'Not at all. I only doubt--' observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "Breckinridge is his name." has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who friend's singular character. from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "How on earth--" Have you good authority for what you say?" "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" drawing your inferences." ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out husband's writing, madam." and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "One of the highest in England." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "Certainly." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my business in the City. She little knew what. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly knowledge of the world." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady John Swain, of St. Augustine. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case to surprise her." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very Lestrade of Scotland Yard." Henry Baker is a member." asked. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "I would pay ten." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others sufficient punishment." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "When did she vanish, then?" dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in conversation I have gathered that they have been married about exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up His smile broadened. He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his for its centre. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly James Windibank. Voilà tout!" your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a Dr. Gregory B. Newby "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" photograph?" Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the you came in." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees hour?' have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." me upon any point which I do not make clear." step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "When did she vanish, then?" had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay hurried by. usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "And the murderer?" room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "Witness: I should prefer not to answer.