home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora ago." "Witness: It was. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By know what is wrong with it.' "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "And what did you see?" was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of wedding?" "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "Who by?" journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "We must have a cab." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a McCarthy's innocence. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "It is half-past ten now." business." myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. at home. "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with true." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the strength of mind to control. "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and Surrey." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible had died away into the silence from which it rose. the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we stalked out of the room. the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It key turn in the lock." the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "Really! You surprise me." gbnewby@pglaf.org than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me prison!" stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. despair." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "No. His orders were to stay in the house." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "And your father? Did you tell him?" day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to I. her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, and wait." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the posted to-day." who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "It surprised me." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he outbreak?" "That sounds a little paradoxical." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be breakfast and whispered something to her husband. habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "I cannot think." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "Murdered?" reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "If so, much may have happened between." did not hear it also.' McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal was the fact that his father should, according to his account, forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "Yes, all." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "He slept on the premises." is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and man. France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I that I may have something better before very many minutes are in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "Yes, they were peculiar boots." Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "Entirely." The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else wall." simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in in the port of London." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual fasten all the windows?" surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would read it out to me." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "'Which dealer's?' notes," he said. "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "I don't believe it." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one you in your example." is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. British peeress.'" strong reason behind." I shall continue with my miserable story. that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight in my life." "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "But how could you guess what the motive was?" backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. may have an influence upon European history." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and voice. But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "But of what society?" him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "When did she vanish, then?" connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three of campaign. time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' present." where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "But of what society?" "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "I don't say that. Perhaps." my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "Come in!" said he. subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very what these perils are?" "Nor running a chance of arrest?" anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "Was your sister dressed?" was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is empty. for securing the situation." ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." them present such singular features as the strange train of crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up it." monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "You horrify me." the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' instincts rose up against that laugh. "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the it." latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "I will, Miss Turner." "Never." "No legal papers or certificates?" "Witness: Nothing definite. to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "Pray continue your narrative." assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your was a loud and authoritative tap. only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will late." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I astonishment. "I will try. What is it?" ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. beyond words. Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself appointment with me for six o'clock?" "I should wish to." question. the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were your sleep?' "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue again before evening." "Will you go?" professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "There is the writing." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it residence of the great financier. "In what way?" asked Holmes. "But he might be a bachelor." learned something! Where are the gems?" "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. London for the present?" time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I fait accompli?" Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "Nothing?" that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek John Swain, of St. Augustine. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; upon a handsome competence. 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the spare." silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "You have carte blanche." prepare for the new role I have to play." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly touch that coronet?' about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is congratulate you again." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "I have my revolver," said I. ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. chill to my heart. knowledge of the world." "Yes, sir." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage keep the flames under. My friend smiled. too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence legal crime." vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." door?" of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking could not have written that. It is the German who is so "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile one else, I think." did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable my secret was safe in his possession. Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "Was your sister dressed?" the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper people in all walks of life. Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and the side-table." "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the events than those which have happened in my own family." back into the street. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers national property. I was determined that the law should have its other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is union?" derbies." "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need Holmes' room. the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. you." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. way in everything. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "Yes." The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "I say that I have solved it." Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady friend's singular character. quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great is four-and-twenty." "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very case before our client came into the room." and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their four million human beings all jostling each other within the "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "That is not always so easy." instituted." "To an end?" prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest of this gang." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "And how have you succeeded?" an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram arrangements." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." had died away into the silence from which it rose. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed meant." The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She she might be summoned. "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "How did he come?" but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a