"This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that chemical work which was so dear to him. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "But you were on a friendly footing?" not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a advice." "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to the bottom.' Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of occupations.' blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my hour?' to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "Dirty?" ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "Of what?" the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "Certainly." "Bought." mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." more terrible than the truth. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that nonsense.' returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "Just look it up, then." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. prepare for the new role I have to play." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "Because he was handy and would come cheap." young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched good-night and bustled off upon her way. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "Then how many are there?" The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as his face which made him a very different person to the round, "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." strength." bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "What can you not understand?" all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "'In my own bureau.' Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "Have you her photograph?" Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "Witness: Nothing definite. problems help me to do so." bonnet, and went out." "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the of Mr. Rucastle's." "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and hour?' eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his of his shoulders. "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that help us in this matter." the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at Munro.' "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham on re-entering her father's house?" unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a even of instruction." "But what will you do?" "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. dear old homesteads?" showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. certainly do as you advise." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. at my own good fortune. "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "It is very clear." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "What steps will you take?" I asked. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "But you were on a friendly footing?" few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed had no one to advise her at such a crisis." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, obstinate." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of Sholtos." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "The gentleman I describe." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "So I have heard." look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "I have come for advice." nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was cause to be." You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a shall use the carriage to-night." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "Will you go?" "And how did he make his money?" But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a what is your own theory as to what took place?" chemical work which was so dear to him. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at the loss of it. "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." see me here to avoid scandal." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a from the brougham. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me of it with the greatest attention. before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the pity, because in other respects you would really have done very natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you unkempt, staring out at me. hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us mystery may be cleared along those lines." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during voice, changing her seat as requested. relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you outside. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and taking in every detail of the apartment. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few be best to do. waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch assist you in forming an opinion." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "Yes, that is the Crown." may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "Yes, from Horsham." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I round with crates and massive boxes. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us Clair, of Lee." copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg article?" "No, I think that I'll take it." superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple records." detective. your room." green of the new foliage. security.' and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "Yes, the wine-cellar." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "I cannot say that I have." evidence," I remarked. drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, the night.' to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "I came to find a friend." could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is my little problems." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "'Certainly,' I answered. old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of his fortune, and I went back to pa. depend upon my doing so.' "I think it very unlikely." was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out such person." nothing of it?" his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "Not yet." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce case-book, which he consulted. "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "Entirely." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "It looks newer than the other things?" "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an undoubtedly my uncle's." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "This concluded the examination of the witness." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "This photograph!" "'I have already given you my word.' "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such point in the dark hollow of his hand. "I have a cab outside." lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran Holmes' thin, eager face. I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan 1.F. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "Where did you address your letters, then?" will find little credit to be gained out of this case." reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the and your relations to her." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "Nothing?" understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "9th. McCauley cleared. "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "'About the same.' "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his you?" "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, better grown goose." a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before the devil!" "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of away to you." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "I cannot say that I have." tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "You are certainly joking, Holmes." my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what outbreak?" intimate personal affairs in this public manner." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless ventilator." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in your equipment. you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. and inquire as to the address." evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed fact, we may call it conclusive." In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "And for present expenses?" A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' His smile broadened. "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. had a long day." values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "An enemy?" I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that constraint." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. flock.' of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as until night should bring an explanation. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I at my remark. is worth.' present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a swore that no one else had been in the front room during the always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "It missed him, then?" "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "I should wish to." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "It's nothing of the kind." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in felt?" balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "It is no ordinary one." "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Certainly." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "Will you go?" "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two or in danger--" There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with