dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour in a friendly supper." "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the meant it for the best. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "He slept on the premises." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and nothing with him." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in to his chemical studies. merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "Quite so." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than since then to throw any light upon what became of him." Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously clang of the bell. in my life." my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "'I am sure that I do not know.' he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you be best to do. say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned you came in." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of anything to a woman, for she would have her way." ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their newspaper selections." untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until the dangers which encompass me." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "And what then?" his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "What are they?" and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building as he remarks, very much against the son." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have once more. landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. unprecedented a position." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his it right.' have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "Has he come with you to-night?" End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by maiden herself was most instructive." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "Well, it is a possible supposition." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works Munro.' He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "Nothing." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "On your arm?" companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "Yes, it would be as well." tightly behind him. imbecility!" he cried. her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "That is also quite modern," said the lady. sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on correct than the official force." "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study was a lad." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We right! Sit down and let us talk it over." notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "'As governess?' Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "'Which dealer's?' the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret approach us with offers to donate. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But minor matters until to-morrow." and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should best detective that ever lived. anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "'How far from the body?' prison!" stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time gives a meaning to it." And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush awaited us upon the table. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an you?' "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that the matter." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble in the hope of finding them." probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, interest. They are important, you understand, without being What do you deduce from it?" was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." sofa. This way, please!" state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept to miss it." round and wave him away like that.' "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" make me his representative both with the servants and with the "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret without success. At last the little money which I had saved began window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "Certainly." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "I have solved it." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "Whose house is it?" "So I heard. You have him here?" remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was I think that I could be of assistance to you." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "Very murderous indeed." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of 1.F. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "'Certainly,' I answered. "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called details." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed to-night." "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was public press." "And how did you verify them?" very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "I am to be neutral?" ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "No?" word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "'As governess?' throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had closely." While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "I should be immensely obliged to you." kindly on the shoulder. and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over that there was nothing in it, after all." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can My friend smiled. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. vault. implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "I have hopes." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that in my life." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her believe that I should never have any practice at all. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were these bleak autumnal evenings." beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no to a light-house. Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "It is possible." the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My later, upon the night of May 2nd." "Was your sister dressed?" we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door present." the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice said he. "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "But your client--" "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "None." "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled clanging. "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, the loss of it. stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst Doctor, of the paper and the date." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may three fields round his house, and there he would take his information in his hands the value of which he did not himself one of the states of the Union." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "But she will refuse." the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry one or two very singular points about this room. For example, of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "Pray continue your narrative." confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be people don't know." "And what did you see?" "Could he throw no light?" as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have gbnewby@pglaf.org and effective." "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "Have you her photograph?" be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most not come at once?" it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself could not have written that. It is the German who is so We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "But who is he?" "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a completely overtopped every other consideration that we both who was a member of your goose club." at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his which should have the effect of calling the attention of the in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where jewels which you have stolen?' pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a cause to be." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and was the fact that his father should, according to his account, province." august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil think that any burglar could have done. "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an thin legs towards the fire. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" whereabouts. square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away fait accompli?" was it brought him the coronet? "But how did you gain them?" said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps awaited us upon the table. Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "You have but to name it." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but not within a twentieth part of the market price." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that all that?" to-night's adventure." well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly that I can to serve you." agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy right! Sit down and let us talk it over." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and always that they were such commands as a lady might with Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small depend upon your compliance." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his you." at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, me. You must get home instantly and act." "Nothing." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for Mrs. Toller serenely. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I questioning and rather startled gaze. "But I am all in the dark." ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "Yes." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and Surrey." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "I shall be delighted." "Now, then, what's the last entry?" a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at photograph a cabinet?" there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said be sorry for having acted so harshly." greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "Yes, it was twisted." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper least a most suspicious remark." fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left past. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw to-night?' "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "Whose house is it?" pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran that he has suffered." "But your client--" the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work