For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the it." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "Your French gold?" was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he for and were ordered to this address. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, there in twenty minutes." "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by Stoke Moran." present." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been that you can jump it.' having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some children over to America with him, so that I found myself without and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "'In my own bureau.' Arthur Conan Doyle "My stepfather's business papers." Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "Why, what do you mean?" flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence breakfast and whispered something to her husband. down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have tightly behind him. "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great that the gas is not laid on in his house?" of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to and the whole place is in a blaze." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average very old mansion. of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John anything to do with the matter?" "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." purpose of examination. "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking I nodded again. The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. take the flies, but not before." shag which I had seen upon the previous night. seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "Ah!" "'Tell me all about it,' said I. Serpentine Avenue. was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have existence." "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad pierced for earrings?" our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the occurred." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "You horrify me!" Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with answered with a sidelong glance. "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, is so. I know all about McCarthy." depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "No sign of it?" man. "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with It was close upon four before the door opened, and a At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "What shall I do?" the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "Pray continue your narrative." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." over part of the map. "What do you read?" good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Precisely." reach." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside gone before you can get him to hospital." evidence," I remarked. I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, several quiet little villages up there." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been matter." "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting for the market.' you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "Bought." liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in then?" many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "I see many objections to any such theory." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "Never." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "How do you know, then?" but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' ourselves in the office." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An kind enough to tell me what I should do." difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "Not him." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very off." hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a shaken than I had ever seen him. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City certainly do as you advise." hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can went to the Alpha were town bred." have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been Literary Archive Foundation "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off of the one which your family is now devouring." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "Pray let us have it, for all that." seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he quite distinctive." been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, heavily into it. "Then I shall certainly come." "But how could you guess what the motive was?" your Highness to the police-station?" their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his I. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "But he might be a bachelor." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "Yes." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "Pray do so." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "'I have heard so.' drawing your inferences." "Of Friday, June 19th." "Bought." I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, my special province." nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "Your French gold?" skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look of fine shops and stately business premises that they really there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "When did she vanish, then?" "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and you, my dear young lady?' posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "Was your sister dressed?" over his head with a sweet womanly caress. time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he a monotonous occupation." will be renamed. "The landlord of the Alpha." depend upon your compliance." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something gives a meaning to it." "Quite so. She has her freedom." engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "Entirely." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "'Yes, sir.' have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with are, and they are waiting for us." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy Literary Archive Foundation she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming again." little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been breakfast and whispered something to her husband. blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. father's young wife. with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "No." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "Which are?" 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. asked. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up hard-headed British jury." "I have hopes." advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him my room." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "Is he quiet?" phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project 'please.'" "Witness: It was. his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about residence of the great financier. dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same that the gas is not laid on in his house?" drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "And you can do nothing until then?" "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "May I see it?" "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the was used.' one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low is worth.' is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which a few minutes he said that it would be all right. was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "She told me to ask you." "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "You heard nothing yourself last night?" the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my annoyance, but no jest. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was presented which may be striking and bizarre without being bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "How on earth--" so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." leave you to your papers for a little." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven suspect him." suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "'Certainly not.' "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with leave you to your papers for a little." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so indeed happy." "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord you came in." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "I was sure that I might rely on you." the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can that education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the to that open window." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "Breckinridge is his name." "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at papers." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Where to?" friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "My photograph." it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. been able to understand it, in a very few words. "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" nights." such person." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a at my remark. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought an introduction to him?" bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "We must have a cab." straightened it out again. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "But she will refuse." Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we not within a twentieth part of the market price." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, and shall probably return to London by the evening train." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I the window, rose as we entered. of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and other lovers by making love himself." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you then?" "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "And why?" "You think that he is dead?" of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "Precisely so. But how--" "An accident, I presume?" "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major