"I was mad--insane." that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' nice household for a young lady." flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "'Quite sure, dad.' much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, the salesman. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for American. Then who could this American be, and why should he one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without own family. quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and in my life." houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "'What, the red-headed man?' I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very frequently gained my first real insight into the character of livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "Won't it ring?" highroad, where all traces were lost. We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate chill to my heart. metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready whole matter to your consideration." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "I cannot tell." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "'In my own bureau.' "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. McCarthy." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the happened." to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "But of what society?" flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the come either from the window or the door. My attention was "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the business at Coburg Square is serious." had died away into the silence from which it rose. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "'And the work?' I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "And that is--" strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "It looks newer than the other things?" qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me of the way of danger. retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the breakfast and whispered something to her husband. sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "My Mary? Impossible!" "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "I have seen the police." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my and all of them with the keenest interest. "'Is purely nominal.' insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one be there in time for your coming." "And on what day did he meet his death?" him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "At half-wages, in fact." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life charge against him will break down." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an Lestrade of Scotland Yard." shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide man. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you said he. look upon these things in a different way." absolutely follow my advice in every respect." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. unprofitable." the side-table." you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No of the vacancies.' town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "Well." Watson," he said cordially. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect was a perfect sample of the class. your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "And what did you learn from him?" vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the advice." arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "No. What a strange idea!" as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security answer." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "Have you her photograph?" suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." The events in question occurred in the early days of my "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in at my own good fortune. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. I held the little printed slip to the light. any little problem which you may submit to me." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa locked. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to gone before you can get him to hospital." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two south, for the country is more deserted there." bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" this remarkable episode. husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "He might." "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That door?" where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, signal between you and your father? "Certainly." "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one enough to aid us in our search." greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque here and I will read it to you: "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll bare slabs of marble. abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to other means.' without success. At last the little money which I had saved began than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "But you can know nothing of this?" "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." at my own good fortune. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a side. is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked even so self-evident a thing as that." "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "Yes." "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H residence of the great financier. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "I am sure." "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "Who by?" will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an to a more successful conclusion." man. pictures, libraries, or plate. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think of campaign. is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that not within a twentieth part of the market price." "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an child?' aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "Stolen, then." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "Thank you. Pray proceed." of the vacancies.' might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do ways of our fellow-men." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was photograph?" "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "I cannot as yet see any connection." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "Pray do so." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "A confidential servant?" his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "Not in a good cause." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more opened a pocket-book and took out a note. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. Street. to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your a good hundred miles off by now." heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "The Coroner: What do you mean? "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt footfalls from the street. iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "One of the highest in England." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the then?" The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "I shall be delighted." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "And how did you verify them?" silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of your billet.' make me his representative both with the servants and with the that, and I came down." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the shag which I had seen upon the previous night. intimate personal affairs in this public manner." better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call at my own good fortune. dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears as the one I chose?' year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice ago." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I which are rolled in Rotterdam." me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "Never." delighted to hear it," he said. and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "No good news?" and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a This is what he says: them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, father's young wife. left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my companion imperturbably. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, I was concerned in it." "Then, how do you know?" January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending you understand?" are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She