Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do strength of mind to control. "Your French gold?" "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do business." through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he for the market.' The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "Now, then, what's the last entry?" the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come were new raised from a basin. "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the with the outside air!" sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin you in your example." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you retorted upon me, and I on you." "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly his forehead." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "'And the work?' strong and stiff." fatally injured? my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "'There is a drive, then?' the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical only touch the interest." pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has cost them two and thirty pounds." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you along the entire front of the house, with three long windows sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "Which are?" the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always him." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "What shall I do?" time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "Yes, sir." "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "Well, some hundreds of times." of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box and wait." "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear to tackle the facts." beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty when your master had gone out." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been where Mr. Fordham shows you.' from you?" "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that might help us?" south, for the country is more deserted there." "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "It came here." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the highroad, where all traces were lost. the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "And I say east," said my patient. years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me four million human beings all jostling each other within the This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any as noiselessly as she had come. "He said that you could solve anything." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." system of imprisonment?" web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first to a more successful conclusion." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just green of the new foliage. that the gas is not laid on in his house?" empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "She will not sell." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself happened." bird of prey. the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the and your relations to her." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant fasten all the windows?" it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And excitement. nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "Stolen." events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand to you." and have this put in the evening papers." It may be so in this case, also." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for ago." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, woman who has had her own way to make in the world. I took the paper from him and read as follows: "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns heavily into it. to a light-house. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "It is true that I have been generally successful." nonsense.' human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has believe that I should never have any practice at all. carried out of court." "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "I never have." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his this man was intellectual?" conclusions. acquaintance?" innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "I cannot tell." "Then, as to money?" "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "Why did you pick him?" beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that may never be exposed to such a temptation." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a the date of his supposed suicide." lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "Where to?" hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his furiously. man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We before the coroner and the police-court." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have his face. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy be sorry for having acted so harshly." protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project You can understand that this register and diary may implicate by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his make me his representative both with the servants and with the deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her behind me. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that telegram would bring me down to your help." heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually tear off another piece?' imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek help us in this matter." right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful nights." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an your equipment. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is occupations.' on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "Why did you beat the pavement?" followed. her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "Really! You surprise me." naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, pictures, libraries, or plate. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you over part of the map. "What do you read?" de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: details should find their way into the papers. Inspector works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "That also I could fathom." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained cost them two and thirty pounds." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "I see many objections to any such theory." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul awaited us upon the table. disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "But the mystery?" few hundred pounds.' Mrs. Toller serenely. its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we During two years I have had three consultations and one small upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I locked." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry redistribution. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is from the brougham. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some tightly behind him. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the future lives." into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "Yes, there are nearly always some there." tapping his fingers upon the table. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong stalked out of the room. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It subject to the trademark license, especially commercial and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the it. "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his questionable one." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "None. Neville wrote those words." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, four million human beings all jostling each other within the appeal." Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with his grey eyes. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for and inquire as to the address." superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking was used.' during that time.' promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a acquaintance?" staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "Bought." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there guilty one." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door himself in a perplexing position. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be system of imprisonment?" he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "In heaven's name, what for?" "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, more solid." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study himself. records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" to-night?" I asked. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the already been minutely examined." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger will he say when he returns?" "But to whom?" coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "When did it break out?" appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink IS "Yes, at the mines." "A client, then?" the devil!" deduce something from that?" Dr. Gregory B. Newby Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "Then how many are there?" expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "'I have heard so.' happened." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "But how?" saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her whatever might befall. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." me upon any point which I do not make clear." Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for once more on the important position which you have been fortunate Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "A greater distance to travel." Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding might help us?" and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "What! Had he lost his wife?" through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "How did you deduce the select?" thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "At the wedding breakfast." very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "This concluded the examination of the witness." sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in papers on the sundial.'" he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds