"Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "I would pay ten." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "Who by?" occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of clang of the bell. worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "Yes, all." "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "What do you mean?" companion imperturbably. it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But dramatic, in fact." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's purpose of examination. myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, way in." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "Of what day?" deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "Married! When?" "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "'Is purely nominal.' How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? this remarkable episode. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "You have a clue?" weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could matter over." conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of the general public were present, then?" "Was he the only applicant?" "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "I guessed as much." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, room. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but American. Then who could this American be, and why should he much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and there in twenty minutes." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "Who was the criminal, then?" "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see away into the river." temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "I am following you closely," I answered. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door manager. away into the river." the loss of it. "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in detained." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "But I have heard all that you have heard." husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed gone. Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "Nothing?" "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" at a side door. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "But it has twice been burgled." companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "Precisely." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon have had none more fantastic than this." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "Ha! you find it so?" "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the I shall continue with my miserable story. "You saw the ventilator, too?" "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "Yesterday." all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "'And what salary do you ask?' occupations.' or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "Nor running a chance of arrest?" where Mr. Fordham shows you.' emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That bonnet, and went out." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard strength of mind to control. Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in is a common subject for conversation. pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a giving me time to thank him. three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "Yes." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission the stones. at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged away to you." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "And who is her maid?" "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "But not more so than I to find you." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "Yes." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can hand, madam?" running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to and have this put in the evening papers." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change whether it answered to the description of any of their his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, front of me. professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie woman who has had her own way to make in the world. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "That was it, sir." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "'And what are they worth?' I asked. Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "None." not fit the lock." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "And how did you find out?" ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this tell them apart.' "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That started for the Temple to see my husband. On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I me. You must get home instantly and act." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "Pray let us have it, for all that." stalked out of the room. partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. whole matter to your consideration." common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the results." her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "They are typewritten," I remarked. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "Perhaps I have." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a you in your example." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to you." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt there were so many in the whole country as were brought together evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have murdered man." But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "It goes to the housekeeper's room." papers." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending quickly through a disagreeable task. For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very daring than any effort of the imagination." "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and children over to America with him, so that I found myself without wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." most interesting one." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which seem to you to be relevant or not." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "I answered that I had not. remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "Entirely." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." official police." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from my friend's incisive reasoning. to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very thin legs towards the fire. inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be directors have had misgivings upon the subject." appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. room had already been engaged for us. "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "I say that I have solved it." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "'Certainly,' I answered. akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote upon an income of about 60 pounds." have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "By train from Waterloo." Holmes' room. "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "VIOLET HUNTER." have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and papers must be those that are destroyed.' France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "And sit in the dark?" had this final quarrel? casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the this man was intellectual?" It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "Where, indeed?" keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "Witness: I must still refuse. elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has his fortune, and I went back to pa. refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "It is true that I have been generally successful." upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell plantation.' charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such system of imprisonment?" Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the when your master had gone out." the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "The landlord of the Alpha." asked with his eyes open. He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "I should like to see him very much." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at breakfast?" without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "Yes, the wine-cellar." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." away to you." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "What can you not understand?" I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the with the outside air!" was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "Pray let us have it, for all that." was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and the bed, and you in that chair." sound at heart." the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute McCarthy." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, at my remark. works. however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "I should be immensely obliged to you." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "Come in!" said he. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof