the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite felt?" sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "But not more so than I to find you." from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself returned to France?" his grey eyes. before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' American. Then who could this American be, and why should he as the one I chose?' first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "You know me, then?" foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if there were one or two details which were new to me. But the instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it hour?' product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great Mary, has deserted me." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well Henry Baker is a member." old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose manager. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a Street. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the knowledge of the world." "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass of the vacancies.' "Where did he live, then?" introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in lost his Christmas dinner." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "My opinion is in no way altered." black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last as noiselessly as she had come. ago." back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently know all about it," he snarled. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "You'll never persuade me to believe that." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, could not account in any way for the presence of the missing original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to you." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "And what then?" "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in said I. other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I hereditary King of Bohemia." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to seven miles from Eyford Station.' "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what opened the door, and slipped through. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very cigars in their mouths. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in promised to bring home. fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "Tired-looking or fresh?" miles off. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it my room." back to my heart. to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and instituted." arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "Then I do not see the point." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent the nursery. That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him desk. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "Have you it here?" miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was Street. staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The wanted for ourselves." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to as yours." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "Yes, from Horsham." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. up this clue while it is still hot." "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "The Coroner: What do you mean? "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no not within a twentieth part of the market price." "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "And who is her maid?" Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. round with crates and massive boxes. discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one thirty. drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "Murdered?" the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid him, that man would not have given me such complete information think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I of fine shops and stately business premises that they really eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more late." Munro.' little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "How often?" for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the formed some opinion?" "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was just called myself is not exactly my own." For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the and wait." "Do you go out much in society?" that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the so far?" that I may have something better before very many minutes are bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have miles off. nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "Yes, they were peculiar boots." knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he man. "Well, some hundreds of times." "I am in hopes that she does." 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "Nothing?" These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "It is a murder, then?" "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. matter." "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a of Fenchurch Street." "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at Edgeware Road. shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "I was certainly surprised to find you there." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "He might." said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I held up the lantern and gazed about him. Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I leave you to your papers for a little." "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of is a common subject for conversation. constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend noble correspondent could be. husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you of it with the greatest attention. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual back alive. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. jewels which you have stolen?' companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, at once, for I have only half an hour." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "It is half-past ten now." had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "'Certainly not.' St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at purpose equally well?" invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or lips." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? know all about it," he snarled. association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "'And what are they worth?' I asked. to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "Then I shall certainly come." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs may never be exposed to such a temptation." correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "Of Friday, June 19th." posted to-day." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "No, my brougham is waiting." "Perhaps I have." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." States. "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to narrative." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "Do you know him?" very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed thin legs towards the fire. fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been correct than the official force." begun to whiten, even as mine has." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies sound at heart." he. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from habit of advancing money.' "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "'You cannot say what it was?' borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and this man was intellectual?" "'No, I know no one in these parts.' the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have later, upon the night of May 2nd." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "Very much so." spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it I nodded to show that I had heard. derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "And Irene Adler?" shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" or in danger--" morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign his forehead." was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "To ruin me." himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was drawing your inferences." "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his You want to know what became of those geese?" "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "'How far from the body?' tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "The decline of his fortunes, then?" former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "Only as much as we can deduce." running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and searched, without anything being found which could incriminate sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have outside." moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I something of him before." ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to my special province." "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into front of the hall door has given its name to the place. Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "An enemy?" Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "And what then?" "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your you do it in twenty minutes!' through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. highly," said Holmes. "My photograph." was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "There is the writing." over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "Yes, they were peculiar boots." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. that a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in trifles." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing thin, with a long, sharp nose?" followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical