"How often?" fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though system of imprisonment?" your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For British peeress.'" "You have compromised yourself seriously." affection." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but memory. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I one else, I think." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When crime." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your DISSOLVED. "Nearly eleven." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "An accident, I presume?" maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know to Leatherhead. the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more his eyes and forehead. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears copied or distributed: at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was you." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special of it with the greatest attention. shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "My dear Holmes!" 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the considering the formidable letters which were received by himself been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to there has been an enclosure here!" first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "But how did you gain them?" coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how followed. "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter believe that I should never have any practice at all. fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared the date of his supposed suicide." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "Precisely." that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack together. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I tail." Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "Indeed! Whose, then?" official police." was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "You are all wrong." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all national property. I was determined that the law should have its a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been late." who was a member of your goose club." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." developed." "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point to surprise her." the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "'Yes, sir.' civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, of Mr. Rucastle's." "I was sure that I might rely on you." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "'Yes, sir.' gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing DISSOLVED. Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to is worth.' way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "I am in hopes that she does." "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat upon a handsome competence. lumber-room." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite address. a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in up this clue while it is still hot." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "I think that it is very probable." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from conclusions. "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in article?" yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "Where is it, then?" him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "Very truly yours, be.' is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said directors, with the result that you have seen." We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we was it brought him the coronet? fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had never to learn it at all." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took in the dead of the night?' "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the Holmes' room. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is anything to do with the matter?" bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest whether it answered to the description of any of their reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "Can I be of assistance?" should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "Very. But will he see it?" "That's no good." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a acted in my house last night?" from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "Really! You surprise me." "No, I am descending." first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "Your sister is dead, then?" "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "What have you done?" asked Holmes. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "Really! You surprise me." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and his knees, staring into the fire. "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my which our visitor detailed to us. admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "And your father? Did you tell him?" wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions lids now and glanced across at his visitor. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "Do you know him?" blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "You were travelling in the States?" chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery night.' said he. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "He disappeared so suddenly." breakfast?" that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from until night should bring an explanation. "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "I never have." seem to you to be relevant or not." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "Dr. Becher's." exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done tension within him. Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and should be so warm over such a trifle." "And Irene Adler?" matter." Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "Murdered?" "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the with you?" "But you were on a friendly footing?" our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "Ha! you find it so?" stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in present." In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "Was she in good spirits?" and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and your sleep?' "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for Foundation companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so beyond words. success. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "Was she in good spirits?" sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "Yes, but only for you and me." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an retorted upon me, and I on you." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the better in every way that they should make their position a little society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure vague figure huddled up in the darkness. confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "And Miss Sutherland?" to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both fuss that is made over them." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" our word." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do it." including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "In answer to an advertisement." "'Stolen!' he cried. stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a place of silver." Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my disappearance of these gems?" should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I even of instruction." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk the coronet at all injured?" you." "She showed me, as I told you she would." James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could always that they were such commands as a lady might with dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and one's self under obligations.' Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "I fear not." but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." hair?' "When did she vanish, then?" including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "Was the window open?" shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "Dark enough and sinister enough." strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the is," said he presently: upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six page at http://pglaf.org "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that he died? very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no legal crime." matter." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet completely overtopped every other consideration that we both shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I me what he had done with the three missing stones. of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better man. not use it unless it is absolutely needed." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little weighed down with some great anxiety. and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "No." "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an I. have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "But how?" and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge it right.' these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "No." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, read it out to me." "Your French gold?" incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "No, I had a dozen." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "I have hopes." said he. "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "But what harm can there be in that?" from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a used to be." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "How long did she speak to this Alice?" which I could not give. He asked for Alice. thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the closing the door. case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the highly," said Holmes. sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every