at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it posted to-day." had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the here." Leave Paddington by the 11:15." envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "And what did you see?" me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "Have you it here?" "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon his huge brown hands. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." of his shoulders. "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions that, and I came down." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "Which are?" schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent cost them two and thirty pounds." to me. weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at noting anything else of interest. the ceiling. my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Now, then, what's the last entry?" we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "But it has twice been burgled." beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "What have you done?" asked Holmes. present." served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the on in his house." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's taking in every detail of the apartment. said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "I shall be delighted." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while telegram would bring me down to your help." play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to strength in the others." some terrible trap for her." is worth.' "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our this Miss Turner." "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "Where, then, is my wife?" would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "Texas, I think." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "You were travelling in the States?" salesman. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you recall any case within my experience which looked at the first could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any place of silver." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "Not social, then?" "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "One of his hands." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. presented more singular features than that which was associated is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "I say it is." the dangers which encompass me." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" you came in." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public on in his house." and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen in one or two places in England?' compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "Certainly." Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said and I shall be with you presently." empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "Why? What do you mean?" feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "Stolen." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent directors, with the result that you have seen." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her excitement. "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower away in different directions, and I went off to make my own Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who the station." "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "Here?" whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "But you were on a friendly footing?" "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "She showed me, as I told you she would." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as child?' burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. conduct the inquiry." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to vague figure huddled up in the darkness. or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four new duties?' were new raised from a basin. John Swain, of St. Augustine. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "Then what has happened to him?" secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man distance from the station, and there we found the young lady minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one waste of energy." "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "Get out!" said he. "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "It is solved." "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master with you alone." and all of them with the keenest interest. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "To ruin me." contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," like gravel from a pit.' the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune hard-headed British jury." this remarkable episode. as noiselessly as she had come. Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to garden below. question. "It is very kind of you." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which money should be paid at once.' "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for business." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left been lifted and conveyed somewhere." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "Come in!" said Holmes. hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "How on earth--" tell me that you intended to go into harness." But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If during that time.' "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "May I see it?" remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through you give your casting vote to?" could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend dates and names. that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "On your arm?" upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his silent! Oh, he will be silent!' said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a October 9, 1890. "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "No." "Certainly." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." occurred." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the chill to my heart. glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house without a word or a look. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence lamp. as this. Pray let me have the details." would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the you came in." the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he my former friend and companion. electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "No." "I have come for advice." resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "Dirty?" "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "Not social, then?" Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to furiously. the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of him." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply think that any burglar could have done. absorbing." Lee, in the county of Kent." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be to affect your life." that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I maid will bring up your coffee." was a perfect sample of the class. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "No more words. Get out!" the running down." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "I cannot imagine." "Come in!" said Holmes. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think security.' why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "Quite so." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss at my own good fortune. inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and friend's singular character. "You forget that I know nothing about it." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "It's nothing of the kind." "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE Holmes." Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice conversation I have gathered that they have been married about wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "No, but the enclosure is." 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "'Which dealer's?' great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There have established a very serious case against the son of the "No sign of it?" we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "'Ample.' "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A later, upon the night of May 2nd." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an that before taking the final step I should like to submit the stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the and looked back. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "You are hungry," I remarked. ready to-morrow?' enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the relief. at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "I should like to see him very much." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will so far?" poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the searched, without anything being found which could incriminate and the church but not where the lady lived." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not of." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time during the last few years, and there are many noble families to murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little better grown goose." had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "It missed him, then?" over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have some terrible trap for her." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their three of the beryls in it, was missing. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' be sorry for having acted so harshly." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "You were travelling in the States?" such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still