noble correspondent could be. difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were prisoner's face. outside." "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I at my own good fortune. At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "Perhaps I have." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for me." his huge brown hands. Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself note?" young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the before, for it was considerably after midnight. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but o'clock is it?" often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just the bottom.' "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "Was the window open?" handed it to him. Literary Archive Foundation without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "In San Francisco, a year ago." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up and effective." platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the should be taken.' make me his representative both with the servants and with the so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter approach us with offers to donate. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his Count Von Kramm." police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "Then, how do you know?" Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? wall." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "Where, indeed?" purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the despair." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the new duties?' lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. which are rolled in Rotterdam." consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "So it appears." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "You have carte blanche." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after fuss that is made over them." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you like gravel from a pit.' you for a few hours?" "'What, the red-headed man?' upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "Which are?" down. absolutely follow my advice in every respect." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I once more on the important position which you have been fortunate chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to with you?" "Pray continue your narrative." me where it went to?" would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the had formerly been in part my own. morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "What can you not understand?" fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not present." empty. firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "You are hungry," I remarked. companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange voice. to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We with her." centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." if she died from some sudden fright." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' south, for the country is more deserted there." of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to to me. may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "'What, the red-headed man?' some city in a dream. my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." like gravel from a pit.' clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, think, you have already met." said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, drawing your inferences." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you girl said." The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "One of the highest in England." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the may never be exposed to such a temptation." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the was shining brightly. have accepted such a situation. you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "I should like to see him very much." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see is now desirous of getting those letters back." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "Where, indeed?" there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest 1.E.9. wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he was used.' us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" conceal it?" "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' shoulder; "he's all right." "You think so, too?" "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "What do you mean?" this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "But she will refuse." fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" said I. "I shall be delighted." be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to chamber." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "Yes." "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was the bottom.' eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it then?" "And Irene Adler?" we went to search for him, face downward in a little prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is in his hands." "Stoke Moran?" said he. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "'Stolen!' he cried. the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, second window is the one that I jumped from." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons details." License. You must require such a user to return or twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds American. Then who could this American be, and why should he there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "It is a murder, then?" can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had at a side door. we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. ran thus: "Ten will be early enough." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair lectures into a series of tales." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "That is not always so easy." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." shall not find me ungrateful." "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "What will you say?" suspect him." ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project quick march!" return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "Precisely." near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." of the way of danger. moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "What then?" tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "By no means." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I him nearly every evening." skylight. look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man that you can jump it.' Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "That is it on the dressing-table." pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "She showed me, as I told you she would." "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "I do." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we persecution?" very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "You were travelling in the States?" know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "What have you done?" asked Holmes. neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "'And the work?' "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I that he will be back before evening." evidence," I remarked. nonsense.' cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "'It is locked up,' I answered. habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in and a shock of very red hair. rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, that he has suffered." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised away into the river." but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. go--none." fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "I say it is." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. man. I know him from the photograph." Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly to a more successful conclusion." fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled so.' France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "No, I had a dozen." bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." miles off. southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" foresight and the moral retrogression?" the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was The police have openly confessed that they can at present make occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the about here speaks of his kindness to him." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in intimate personal affairs in this public manner." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning our word." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in introspective fashion. have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and suspect him." to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." definite end. drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out Mary, has deserted me." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on where we are going." in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of nonsense.' "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' were wasted." it. voice. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "But how did you gain them?" stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "Game for a morning drive?" Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such wedding?" "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "10th. John Swain cleared. never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and colour had been driven from his face. little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the rose-bushes. I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "Certainly, madam." "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "But who is he?" "Eh? What was that?" It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "I have solved it." I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was upon an income of about 60 pounds." nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "Two days later this same performance was gone through under transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, could gather together that I was able to avert another public to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "I will do it." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "Why? What do you mean?" the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, from the brougham. pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet and the church but not where the lady lived." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of husband's writing, madam." instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this back to my heart. when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of an introduction to him?" willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "What shall I do?" connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say,