"Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "I answered that I had not. very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "But she could not love him." "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" everything which you would wish to know." classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "And why in hopes?" tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but closely." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in and the colonel ushered me in. woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I pressing in one house as in another. upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I his face which made him a very different person to the round, detective. "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the gigantic client. the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "A call for help, you thought?" consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope know what is wrong with it.' building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "I don't say that. Perhaps." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "None." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the she has been waylaid. There has been no result." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make giving me time to thank him. were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "What have you to say now?" purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, that threaten you." I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside the address that was given us in the advertisement. stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "It must be recovered." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "And how did you verify them?" lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or do you make of it all?" "And what did you see?" ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "I am still in the dark." dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, relief. "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all waste of energy." has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "Game for a morning drive?" shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry Miss Holder?" "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "And it is--" "I have seen the police." "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "When did she vanish, then?" red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an simple cases which are so extremely difficult." examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have hurried by. her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend is so. I know all about McCarthy." one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "Of Friday, June 19th." this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "Have you it here?" But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in your most interesting statement." been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had Leadenhall Street--and--" leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and manager. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if Munro.' impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square had picked up in the wood. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." shoulder; "he's all right." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." him!" "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get friend's singular character. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out who was a member of your goose club." was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a was feeling which was the fattest.' to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless cost them two and thirty pounds." hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and carpenter." and all of them with the keenest interest. Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "This photograph!" "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "Awake, Watson?" he asked. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "Because he was handy and would come cheap." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up gbnewby@pglaf.org individual and becomes the badge of a society." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "I don't say that. Perhaps." star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive all that?" hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "But how will you look?" down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "'You doubt its value?' he asked. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. points to suicide?" having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "What?" upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "Where did he live, then?" "If I can be of use." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "I think that it is very probable." "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have papers diligently of late, have you not?" laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. said I. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "The Cedars?" "Did your wife hear all this?" her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my 11:15.' with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies chair. For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right Surrey." "Very. But will he see it?" money should be paid at once.' "This concluded the examination of the witness." "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "I am all attention, madam." point in the dark hollow of his hand. bonnet, and went out." was used.' the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "Then I am your man." direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would to me. "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the me where it went to?" sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "Always." "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "Perfectly so." had this final quarrel? set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had bachelor.' "How did you deduce the select?" time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "What then?" dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed problems help me to do so." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged shoulder. and that he would see to anything that turned up. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "I do." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "No, but the enclosure is." "You are hungry," I remarked. "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "No." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had so far?" I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "I say it is." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "I was certainly surprised to find you there." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "I have my revolver," said I. this remarkable episode. "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must prison!" be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an his huge brown hands. He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "Did he not advertise?" have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "So it appears." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned there in twenty minutes." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see companion. what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, purpose equally well?" Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe signal between you and your father? o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, next day. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "Married! When?" but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily thirty. with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "'And what salary do you ask?' dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. address. "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "May I see it?" "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I case before our client came into the room." beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in even so self-evident a thing as that." Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "Yes." erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "'Ten to two.' snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "No, my brougham is waiting." "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the chemical work which was so dear to him. "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is entirely lost his self-respect." weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "Well?" he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." this truth that in these little records of our cases which you still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to footfalls from the street. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "Because he was handy and would come cheap." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that corner of the building. weary and pale-looking. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "And who is her maid?" and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "'Ample.' and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "From his hat?" has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim feature." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "She showed me, as I told you she would." whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "That you are never beaten." charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "Yes, he did." investigation." "I think it very unlikely." especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss shall use the carriage to-night." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to