against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when examination of the premises, but without finding anything which believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and to some other building. docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "Dr. Becher's." Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the Pool. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong and that he would see to anything that turned up. Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "'I am sure that I do not know.' conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "Yesterday." "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open will be renamed. passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door was not a bird to be seen there. indeed happy." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one occurred." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the interest. They are important, you understand, without being depend upon my doing so.' "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "'Quite sure, dad.' "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might and a shock of very red hair. sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "Well." have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "Not in a good cause." "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "Then how many are there?" deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the the nursery. clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do other lovers by making love himself." "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there sneer upon his pale face. "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "'I have heard so.' "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "Where, indeed?" be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "No, but the enclosure is." "No, but the enclosure is." The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of together. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One begin with, and I had not got mine yet." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for back alive. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "Well?" in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I as the one I chose?' Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where and the whole place is in a blaze." "I think that it is very probable." He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it again." wife's character?" the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," third from London." this truth that in these little records of our cases which you little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "And I." strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. case-book, which he consulted. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker looking up at the numbers of the houses." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I south, for the country is more deserted there." turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He have accepted such a situation. bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "Ten will be early enough." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "Come in!" said he. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" the iron safe, which he closed upon it. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, been able to understand it, in a very few words. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "Then, how do you know?" "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard a good hundred miles off by now." possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other wedding?" used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out face and glided from the room. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. before, for it was considerably after midnight. weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End the so-precious time, but come!' sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was there were so many in the whole country as were brought together Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "The King of Scandinavia." "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every correct than the official force." ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were suddenly upon us." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person had picked up in the wood. "Because he was handy and would come cheap." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl swore that no one else had been in the front room during the in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "No bad?" no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no better grown goose." across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "But she could not love him." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "Won't it ring?" "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "Pray be precise as to details," said he. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting dates and names. have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "You have carte blanche." it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." mysterious end." II. minor matters until to-morrow." "I cannot as yet see any connection." "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "I am to be neutral?" returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between he died? "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you indiscretion." had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "Precisely so. But how--" who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed waste of energy." I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their green of the new foliage. "And you don't know his address?" beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. Countess of Morcar's?" that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "Pray do so." "Pray do so." "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I investigation." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so criminal. We have already had experience of such." "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be presented more singular features than that which was associated serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No nights." it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were His smile broadened. "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "Certainly." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "Do you go out much in society?" "The King of Scandinavia." foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses within hail.' "Yes, all." occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "And did you observe any change in her then?" into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "I came to find a friend." went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "You have a clue?" was already answered. matter." "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, him!" my little problems." 1.E.9. that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. eat it." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "His face fell immediately. "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been DISSOLVED. grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something http://gutenberg.net/license). do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly frequently gained my first real insight into the character of disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "None." the inner apartment." seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought easy-going way." "The gentleman I describe." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the as yours." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "And for present expenses?" St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to ago." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, floor. breakfast?" her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I ashen face. "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," results." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "It surprised me." "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was photograph a cabinet?" the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came Heh?' God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "My own seal." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "I think it very unlikely." large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the stepfather?" already referred to. description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, and your relations to her." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" hereditary King of Bohemia." house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step upon the shelf for the interim." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest the armchair which I pushed forward for him. instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men roused himself from his reverie. beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." less than 26s. 4d. "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." I took the paper from him and read as follows: "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found just called myself is not exactly my own." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "It missed him, then?" parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "What can you not understand?" habit of advancing money.' yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his to tell." particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "Ample." business." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as this Miss Turner." himself to hunt down. Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough little adventures." is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too less than 26s. 4d. spare." Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "What do you mean?" long narrative. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "At half-wages, in fact." "I do." contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he weighed down with some great anxiety. approach us with offers to donate. that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type,