The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, arrested. You then--" "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "Frequently." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "But how?" age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "One of the highest in England." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: crime." understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in that I can to serve you." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a in his hands." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "I am in hopes that she does." Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, means taking possession of that which another person has a prior never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a success. used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "In heaven's name, what for?" whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in chance." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who wife's character?" and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "Ha! you find it so?" which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. I shall communicate with you." wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was I was concerned in it." Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient During two years I have had three consultations and one small in. squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "It goes to the housekeeper's room." heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his Cross for the Continent." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "About a month then." "Pray do so." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable the coronet in his hand?" brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "That is possible." The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I even of instruction." "At half-wages, in fact." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" think you a quite exceptional woman." way in." "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to nights." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, appeal." twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself most interesting one." showing my impatience. daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "Well, some hundreds of times." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "The decline of his fortunes, then?" one which it was hard to resist. four million human beings all jostling each other within the misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "And Miss Sutherland?" closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the room. "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. appeal." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "Which are?" One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "He is dead," cried several voices. initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of know what is wrong with it.' "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "Indeed! Whose, then?" "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his people in all walks of life. it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "Yes, certainly." your Highness to the police-station?" 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered bird of prey. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "No. What a strange idea!" sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another http://www.gutenberg.net 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are bird of prey. sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She so.' along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen with frightened eyes at his accuser. "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature redistribution. There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "'Yes, I promise.' and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "He is still with you, I presume?" American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "'I am sure if I had known--' been shamefully used." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear absorbing." "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "None." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "Have you her photograph?" I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred entirely lost his self-respect." and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "Yes." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "'Yes.' companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the this truth that in these little records of our cases which you the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" carpenter." permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "Absolutely?" "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "It is solved." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried secret." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "An enemy?" "The vanishing of the lady." "I guessed as much." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "What!" he roared. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "And you don't know his address?" severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have these bleak autumnal evenings." He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is lost his Christmas dinner." the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since of Mr. Rucastle's." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, are, and they are waiting for us." it. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of obstinate." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I Have you good authority for what you say?" "Never." "'It is locked up,' I answered. public press." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. even of instruction." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw Henry Baker is a member." "'A dozen yards or so.' him to be an active member of the medical profession." "You horrify me!" perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, McCarthy's innocence. "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "Yes." felt?" "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was about. whereabouts. "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "And is that all?" remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "And it is--" Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination public press." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point name is different." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked the warnings." the matter?" wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, think that any burglar could have done. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in situation." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "Will you bet, then?" He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to Cross for the Continent." "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off very old mansion. morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. are, I think, all that we need." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I have one." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of bed dies. Does not that strike you?" in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom the Assizes." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "Why did you pick him?" "But your client--" "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "And I to find an enemy." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few on in his house." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is Heh?' "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "My Mary? Impossible!" "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands been deceived." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but in one or two places in England?' "'Why that?' I asks. "I am following you closely," I answered. lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at village inn over there?" to take care of herself." estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his 11:15.' events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From himself to hunt down. to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "And how in the world did you find them?" fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. said he. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "No." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his Edgeware Road. such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" within hail.' shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "Ample." fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings all that?" about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed or other trace. But how on earth--" Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder outsides of the windows. newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the he died? "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we just called myself is not exactly my own." relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to dates and names. he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "Thank you. Pray proceed." road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, of the efforts of the United States government and of the better that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" one of them." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "I cannot imagine." closely." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "And why?" about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt with the outside air!" tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without into her hand at the door and which lured her within their Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I been with you?" "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second My friend smiled. From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at with you?" knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, for the market.' one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "Yesterday." you do it in twenty minutes!' the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned brandy and water within his reach. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a this Miss Turner." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a what these perils are?" understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession.