and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently swore that no one else had been in the front room during the an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott purpose equally well?" he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "What then?" in this way: points to suicide?" didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings very old mansion. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive discontent upon his features. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." present." Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It writer." "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you down. for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "By no means." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was character. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle child?' during the last few years, and there are many noble families to and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "How did you trace it, then?" to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. mysterious end." "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible companion. "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in at a side door. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror there!' it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing could go. "What office?" the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the official police." however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood carriage. It was a chestnut." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "You did not overhear what they said?" time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "He said that you could solve anything." present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "We have tried and failed." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting and no precautions can guard against." Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "'Where to?' King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all do you make of it all?" "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I pity, because in other respects you would really have done very While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood him, that man would not have given me such complete information true." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as hereditary King of Bohemia." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking the matter?" "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. national property. I was determined that the law should have its concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "What I expected to see." "'Most admirably.' brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is about. sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once other lovers by making love himself." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my then?" unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. and files of the old papers, following the future career of every tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "Then how many are there?" subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "Where, indeed?" whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this see a sister of mine apply for." "Yes, certainly." "My photograph." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, experiences." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "And on what day did he meet his death?" "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence call the police, let the police find what they can.' "Where to?" "I see no marks." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk him!" The summons was a brief and urgent one. would apply.' official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family chemical work which was so dear to him. really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "Is he quiet?" reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but the warnings." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "And Miss Sutherland?" treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go bled considerably." Mary, has deserted me." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his without success. At last the little money which I had saved began lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the you?' they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking DISSOLVED. her also." Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was the side-table." empty. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "'Tell me all about it,' said I. before, for it was considerably after midnight. been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's desk. "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a annoyance, but no jest. "'I shall certainly be there.' "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "At half-wages, in fact." "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? peculiar to him. insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one golden eyeglasses. think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something you came in." conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in sit on the left-hand side of the driver." engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is stammered. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I entirely devoid of interest." "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "And I say east," said my patient. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "Well." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "Who was the criminal, then?" already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. indiscretion." will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "Yes, the wine-cellar." twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary written, and locked the door of the office after me. here." drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out beyond words. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "Two days later this same performance was gone through under points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these until night should bring an explanation. "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet breakfast and whispered something to her husband. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can of receipt of the work. toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "And why?" "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "'And the work?' misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "At half-wages, in fact." would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but down in his armchair and closing his eyes. far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "Never." "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for possible that we could bring him back to her? "Very murderous indeed." away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a my room." you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," everything which you would wish to know." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, call the police, let the police find what they can.' Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that society." I shall communicate with you." then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as horse could go." quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been in the dead of the night?' the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "Then what has happened to him?" conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such chamber." "He said too much." reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which learned something! Where are the gems?" "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as weigh very heavily upon my conscience." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "He is dead," cried several voices. Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up little trying to do so much typewriting?" security.' have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A status with the IRS. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your looking up at the numbers of the houses." even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "Yes." sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my secret." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with one of them." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the once more on the important position which you have been fortunate As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up been deceived." "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "But of what society?" the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in remarked. her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond Holmes." "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is perplexity from it to my illustrious client. fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the we went to search for him, face downward in a little "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "He said too much." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "I say that I have solved it." you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "Look there!" said he. "And how did you verify them?" "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything point our research must commence, and we will begin it by enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "Absolutely none." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was directly by questioning you." interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor present strange and interesting features that it is no easy eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "He disappeared so suddenly." face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." know all about it," he snarled. "Certainly." is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me not fit the lock." Clair, of Lee." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable province." "What do you make of that, Watson?" Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his families. Now for the facts. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "'How far from the body?' "Stolen." The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations