such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to should be so warm over such a trifle." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, secret." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to distance from the station, and there we found the young lady had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "'Where could I find him?' edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. strength." perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch that threaten you." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason Chief Executive and Director visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how thought that she would have been so carried away." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "I never have." hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "And when will you call?" McCarthy's innocence. gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the me. You must get home instantly and act." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and have I gained?" headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the address. neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "You don't mind breaking the law?" conceal it?" us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "Nothing." round and wave him away like that.' broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "Quite so. She has her freedom." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than know all about it," he snarled. "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to business came to an end." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in of the way of danger. called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank closing the door. upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "'Is 4 pounds a week.' hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening look dissatisfied." other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "Awake, Watson?" he asked. pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "I have hopes." was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "And did you observe any change in her then?" "Murdered?" the inner apartment." accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "How did that help you?" police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax believe that I should never have any practice at all. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you mysterious business." The events in question occurred in the early days of my uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At at once, for I have only half an hour." matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "It is half-past ten now." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "But his lameness?" "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you note?" find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and works. was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival and looked back. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police Sutherland?" "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "Which surely he restored to their owner?" least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this gbnewby@pglaf.org "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "I think that I had better go, Holmes." chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' think you a quite exceptional woman." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and you." the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at and your relations to her." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "'Ten to two.' too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross spare." he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "No." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his have I gained?" rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the strong reason behind." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw as yours." "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "Frequently." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted husband's writing, madam." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. ordinary clothes on?" attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of occurred." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "'Ample.' were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "And how did he make his money?" crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It intimate personal affairs in this public manner." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" crime." "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." I was concerned in it." cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "Why did you pick him?" place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "I saw her in conversation with her maid." said I. "Not yet." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "Yes." go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my this poor creature." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "What then?" chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "'What do you call purely nominal?' Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting that you saw all that I did." near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by round with crates and massive boxes. home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right this unhappy family?" Count Von Kramm." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with hurried by. invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "That's no good." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "But you can know nothing of this?" told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked Dr. Gregory B. Newby "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "Absolutely?" vanished into the darkness. At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, skylight. "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "But I am all in the dark." imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her of note-paper. It read in this fashion: any." the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "Very well, sir. And this stone?" never to learn it at all." lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' himself. her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, coat-tails." I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "I should be immensely obliged to you." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" I. police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was round with crates and massive boxes. DISSOLVED. among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "And what did you see?" "Precisely." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel true." have accepted such a situation. postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day will be renamed. Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." and shall probably return to London by the evening train." down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "The vanishing of the lady." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the room?" greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was night.' said he. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, how narrow had been my escape. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "I have seen the police." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond way in everything. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" coroner's jury." "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not was the fact that his father should, according to his account, paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "What?" all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what there when the Rucastles went away." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all right! Sit down and let us talk it over." mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. plantation.' of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "Not I." is worth.' Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "Well?" mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "It missed him, then?" bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my Farm upon the left." fact, we may call it conclusive." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "Never." dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless there when the Rucastles went away." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "'What, the red-headed man?' wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey allusion to a rat. always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias strength in the others." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "It is very kind of you." transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable gbnewby@pglaf.org police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, easy-going way." he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross go from here to the Strand." what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I again before evening." with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "But how will you look?" winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "You have compromised yourself seriously." "Yes, at the mines." safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up The summons was a brief and urgent one. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one hour?' Lee, in the county of Kent." "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I fashion which was peculiar to him. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he Gutenberg-tm License. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "Oh, yes, easily." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "She showed me, as I told you she would." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I